Sioux City in Woodbury County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Lewis & Clark Floyd River Campsite Rock
September 26, 2026
1. York Attends to Sergeant Floyd Marker
York Attends to Sergeant Floyd
William Clark noted on July 30, 1804, that "Serjt. Floyd verry unwell and bad Cold &c..."
On July 31, 1804, Sergeant Floyd wrote in his journal: "I am verry Sick and Has been for somtime but have Recoverd my Helth again ..."
On August 19, Floyd was taken suddenly ill. Clark wrote: "Sergt. Floyd was taken violently bad with the Beliose Cholick and is dangerously ill we attempt in Vain to releive him, I am much concerned for his Situation— we could get nothing to Stay on his Stomach a moment ...every man is attentive to him york prlly [York principally]..."
York was the slave and body servant of Captain Clark.
The Death and Burial of Sergeant Floyd
On August 20, 1804, Capt. Clark wrote: "Serjeant Floyd as bad as he can be no pulse & nothing will Stay a moment on his Stomach or bowels— Passed two Islands on the S. S. and at first Bluff on the S. S. Serj. Floyd Died with a great deel of Composure, before his death he Said to me, "I am going away I want you to write me a letter"— We buried him on the top of the bluff ½ Miles below a Small river to which we Gave his name, he was buried with the Honors of War much lamented; a Seeder post with the Name Sergt. C. Floyd died here 20th of August 1804 was fixed at the head of his grave — This Man at all times gave us proofs of his firmness and Determined resolution to doe Service to his Countrey and honor to himself."
this page online
Camp At the Mouth of Floyd's River
Sergeant John Ordway wrote in his journal on August 20, 1804:
"we named those Bluffs Sergeant Charles Floyds Bluff. Distant from the Mouth of the Missouri 949½ miles by water, we then proceeded on a Short distance to a creek which we Call Floyd's Creek [River] came 15 or 18 mil. today. where we Camped N. S. [North side]"As Sgt. Ordway writes in his journal, York helps with the evening meal and Sgt. Nathaniel Pryor laments the death of his cousin, Charles Floyd. Captain Meriwether Lewis' dog "Seaman" rests in the foreground.
Sergeant Charles Floyd
(Born 1782 -- Died August 20, 1804)
Charles Floyd was born near Louisville, Kentucky in 1782 to Robert and Lilyan Floyd. He was a cousin of another expedition member, Sergeant Nathaniel Pryor, and may have been remotely related to William Clark. Little is known of his early years, but in 1801, Charles was named the first constable of Clarksville Township in Clark County at the age of 19.
Floyd was among "the Nine Young Men of Kentucky" recruited by William Cark
September 26, 2026
2. The Death and Burial of Sergeant Floyd Marker
Erected 2023 by Lewis & Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment, Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 20, 1804.
Location. 42° 29.071′ N, 96° 23.593′ W. Marker is in Sioux City, Iowa, in Woodbury County. It can be reached from Floyd Boulevard west of Interstate 29. Located in Chris Larsen Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 S Floyd Blvd, Sioux City IA 51101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Western Iowa and in Loess Hills. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the
September 26, 2026
3. Camp At the Mouth of Floyd's River Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Lewis and Clark Expedition (here, next to this marker); Mouth of Floyd River (a few steps from this marker); Flooding in Sioux City (within shouting distance of this marker); Barges & Channelization (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); South Side Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Stockyards Garden (approx. 0.4 miles away); Siouxland Landmarks (approx. half a mile away); The South Bottoms (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux City.
Also see . . . Floyd River Lewis and Clark Campsite Rock - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience.
Excerpt: "The rock was painted by artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, known for his iconic paintings of the 99 Freedom Rocks in each county across the state of Iowa. The project was led by the Sergeant Floyd Tri-State Chapter, including partnerships with the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance and the City of Sioux City."(Submitted on November 11, 2026.)
September 26, 2026
4. Sergeant Charles Floyd Marker
September 26, 2026
5. Lewis & Clark Floyd River Campsite Rock & Markers
September 26, 2026
6. York Attends to Sergeant Floyd side of rock
September 26, 2026
7. The Death and Burial of Sergeant Floyd side of rock
September 26, 2026
8. Camp At the Mouth of Floyd's River side of rock
September 26, 2026
9. Sergeant Charles Floyd side of rock
September 26, 2026
10. Lewis & Clark Floyd River Campsite Rock Project Contributors Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2026. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on November 11, 2026.
