Sergeant Floyd Monument: A Tribute to Exploration

The Sergeant Floyd Monument commemorates Sergeant Charles Floyd, Jr., the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to perish during the Corps of Discovery's epic exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. Floyd, likely succumbing to a ruptured appendix, died on August 20, 1804, near present-day Sioux City, Iowa. He was buried with military honors on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, a site now marked by the towering monument.The 100-foot obelisk, constructed of Kettle River sandstone, was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1901. It stands within a 23-acre park, offering panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley. The monument serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the westward expansion of the United States and the enduring legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.Visitors can explore the monument grounds, read interpretive signage detailing Floyd's life and the expedition, and reflect on the historical significance of the site. The Sergeant Floyd Monument holds the distinction of being the first National Historic Landmark, designated in 1960. Nearby, the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center offer further insights into the expedition and the life of Sergeant Floyd.