Floyd's Bluff facts for kids
Floyd's Bluff is a special hill in southern Sioux City, Iowa. It is named after Sergeant Charles Floyd, an important person from the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition.
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What is Floyd's Bluff?
Floyd's Bluff is a hill that holds a lot of history. It's famous because it was the original burial place for Sergeant Charles Floyd. He was the only person to die during the entire Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Today, this bluff is home to a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place recognized for its important history. The Floyd Monument stands tall on the bluff. It overlooks the Missouri River, near where the Floyd River flows into it. The bluff itself is part of the unique Loess Hills formation. These hills are made of fine, wind-blown soil.
Sergeant Charles Floyd's Story
Sergeant Charles Floyd was a key member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He served as the expedition's quartermaster. This job meant he was in charge of supplies and equipment for the group, called the Corps of Discovery.
Sadly, Floyd became ill and passed away on August 20, 1804. He was buried on this bluff, which was then named in his honor. His death was a sad moment for the expedition, but his memory lives on at Floyd's Bluff.
Early Settlement of the Area
The area around Floyd's Bluff saw its first American settlers in 1848. A man named William Thompson, who had fought in the Mexican–American War, moved there. He set up a trading post, a place where people could buy and sell goods.
Thompson even tried to start a city there, calling it "Floyd's Bluff." However, his city never really took off. Instead, other settlers chose a different spot nearby. They liked the area between the Floyd River and the Big Sioux River.
How Sioux City Grew
In the 1850s, these settlers successfully started the city we know today as Sioux City, Iowa. Over time, as Sioux City grew, Floyd's Bluff became part of it. This happened when the neighborhood of Morningside developed in the 1870s. So, the historic bluff became part of the larger city.
