Rising above the Missouri River on a serene bluff in Sioux City, Iowa, the Sergeant Floyd Monument is more than a towering tribute to a fallen explorer—it’s a place where history lingers in the air, and according to some, spirits may still walk among the living. Standing proudly since 1901, this marble obelisk marks the final resting place of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to die during the famed journey of westward exploration. Whether you’re a history buff, a road tripper, or a paranormal enthusiast, the Sergeant Floyd Monument is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends American heritage with lingering mystery.
In this post, we’ll dive into the remarkable past of the monument, uncover the legacy of Sergeant Floyd, and explore the eerie whispers reported at the site over the decades. Grab your camera—and maybe an EMF meter. You’re about to discover why this remote Iowa landmark belongs on every ghost hunter’s bucket list.
The History
Who Was Sergeant Charles Floyd?
Born in Kentucky in 1782, Charles Floyd was a young man of ambition and resilience. In 1804, he was appointed as one of the sergeants for the Corps of Discovery, better known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Tasked with exploring the uncharted territory west of the Mississippi River after the Louisiana Purchase, the expedition would last from 1804 to 1806. Floyd was respected for his leadership, and his journal entries provide valuable firsthand information about the early days of the journey.
Tragically, Sergeant Floyd would not live to see the expedition’s completion. On August 20, 1804, near what is now Sioux City, he succumbed to what historians believe was a burst appendix—a condition untreatable at the time. His companions gave him a military-style burial on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, and his death was deeply mourned by the entire expedition. He was the only fatality during the two-year journey.
The Construction of the Monument
Sergeant Floyd’s burial site became a point of historic interest over time. However, river erosion in the mid-19th century nearly swept his grave into the Missouri. In response, his remains were moved further inland, and efforts grew to commemorate his contribution permanently. Finally, in 1901, after years of advocacy from local citizens and historical societies, the Sergeant Floyd Monument was completed.
This 100-foot marble obelisk was modeled after the Washington Monument and officially became the first designated National Historic Landmark in the United States in 1960. The monument not only honors Sergeant Floyd, but also stands as a symbol of American exploration, perseverance, and sacrifice.
A National Landmark With Local Significance
To the people of Sioux City, the site is not just a monument—it’s an enduring symbol of their town’s role in American history. Educational programs, commemorative events, and tourism all revolve around this solitary figure from the past. The adjacent Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center offers even more insight into the Lewis and Clark Expedition, regional history, and river navigation.
While the location feels timeless and peaceful during the day, seasoned visitors—and a few paranormal investigators—believe that not everything here rests in peace.
The Haunt
The Ghost of Sergeant Floyd?
Although there are no official records of Sergeant Floyd haunting the bluff named in his honor, some visitors and researchers believe otherwise. Over the years, reports have emerged of strange phenomena happening near the monument—especially after sunset. Paranormal investigators have picked up unusual readings near the base of the obelisk, and visitors have reported disembodied voices, temperature drops, and a feeling of being watched even when they’re alone.
One frequent claim is a faint, ghostly figure standing at attention near the monument, most often observed at dusk or sunrise. Dressed in early 19th-century military garb, the figure is said to vanish when approached, leaving behind an inexplicable sense of sorrow and duty. Could this be the spirit of Sergeant Floyd, still standing guard over his fellow men long after his death?
A Paranormal Hotspot Hidden in Plain Sight
Unlike many haunted sites teeming with urban legends and ghost tours, the Sergeant Floyd Monument is eerily understated. It’s quiet. Serene. But that’s exactly what makes it compelling. Many seasoned ghost hunters believe that the calm of the place conceals a spiritual charge—one that reveals itself only to the observant. Local paranormal meetups and a few YouTube ghost hunting channels have begun cataloging EVP sessions, spirit box responses, and even thermal imaging anomalies at the site.
Further intrigue comes from the bluff itself. Native American tribes considered the hills sacred long before settlers arrived. This sacred energy, combined with the trauma of Floyd’s sudden death and the energy of the expedition, may have left a residual imprint that some sensitive visitors still feel today.
Other Strange Phenomena
Some accounts speak of a peculiar fog that rolls in without warning, swallowing the monument in mist even on clear nights. Photographers have captured unexplained orbs and streaks of light, while a few have claimed their camera batteries mysteriously drained just minutes after arriving.
Even those who don’t believe in the paranormal find themselves pausing in silence at the site, struck by a strange, compelling stillness that feels…otherworldly. Coincidence? Or energy left behind by one of American history’s unsung heroes?
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters and Historians Alike
The Sergeant Floyd Monument is far more than a roadside attraction or historical marker. It’s a powerful tribute to a young soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice during one of America’s greatest expeditions—and perhaps it’s also the home of a restless spirit still tied to the land he helped explore.
Whether you’re fascinated by the tales of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, on a quest to visit all National Historic Landmarks, or in search of your next paranormal hotspot, this monument blends American heritage with an eerie allure. Come for the view, stay for the history—and if you’re brave, linger a little after dark.
Who knows? Under the moonlight and the rustling trees, you may just encounter the lone sentinel of the Corps of Discovery. Sergeant Charles Floyd might still be watching.