F is Sergeant Floyd Monument

"It's like the Statue of Liberty in New York; visitors make the journey to see it, but a lot of local people haven't visited it. The monument is very special to Sioux City," says Bev Hinds, one of Sioux City's go-to history buffs. 

"I don't call myself a historian; I am a purveyor of history," says Hinds." I tell the story." 

Hinds calls her late husband the "true history buff." Dr. V. Strode Hinds served as president of the National Lewis & Clark Trail Historical Foundation. After his passing, the plaza around the monument was named in his honor in 1997. "He was buried in Clear Lake, Iowa, so I like to go up to the monument to mutter at him sometimes."

Hinds certainly does more than just telling the story of Sgt. Charles Floyd and his monument; through Hinds' passion for history and personal connection with the monument, she helps the landmark thrive. Every August, Hinds speaks at a memorial service for Floyd held at the monument. "It's always a nice program." 

This year's service will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 19. 

Hinds also tends to the monument's visitors registrar. "I swing by at least every 10 days and make sure everything is in good shape." Besides occasional vandalism on the registrar or benches, Hinds says she there isn't much she needs to take of. "The Parks Department keeps it in good shape." 

Kelly Bach, parks maintenance field supervisor of Sioux City, says the monument is more low maintenance than most of the 59 parks in Sioux City he tends to. "Each park has its different needs. Sometimes some parks require more attention than others."

Recently, Cone Park and Pearl Park have taken up a good amount of Bach's time because they're in the planning and construction phases. "Grandview takes up a lot of time because so many events are held there." 

Besides bathroom maintenance and mowing, Bach says, the lights at Sgt. Floyd Monument require a good amount of maintenance. Bach says the city is looking to upgrade the lights around the monument to more energy-efficient lighting soon. 

"Restorations to the monument haven't been made since 1997. We're at the point where there are a few areas that will need additional restoration soon," Bach says. 

Sgt. Floyd Monument is open daily, at no charge. It is located on the east side of South Lewis Boulevard/U.S. Highway 75 south of Glenn Ave.