The Journals of Lewis and Clark

Who is Sergeant Charles Floyd from The Journals of Lewis and Clark and what is their importance?

Asked by
Last updated by Jill W
1 Answers
Log in to answer

Sergeant Charles Floyd joined the Corps as a sergeant on August 1st, 1803. His cousin, Sergeant Nathaniel Pryor, was also part of the expedition. Floyd was considered a "man of much merit" by Captain Clark. On August 20, 1804, however, he became the first and only casualty of the entire trek. After his death, his personal effects were given to his cousin, Sergeant Pryor.

Like his captains, Charles Floyd kept a journal of the expedition. His diaries were published alongside the Lewis and Clarks Journals. After his burial, the Corps honored Floyd by christening a nearby river with his name. A 100 foot-high obelisk was later raised as a memorial near his grave site, in what is now Sioux City, Iowa.

Source(s)

The Journals of Lewis and Clark