So, for the month of March we are going to be looking at Sioux City’s history, and what makes this town unique. In this specific post I’ll be touching on topics I’ve already written about,
So, for the month of March we are going to be looking at Sioux City’s history, and what makes this town unique. In this specific post I’ll be touching on topics I’ve already written about, just to show you this Midwest town’s importance to not just Iowa, but to our entire nation.
war eagle
With a population of over 85,000 residents, Sioux City has a long history dating back to the 1830s, when War Eagle arrived, became tribal chief of the Yankton Sioux, and befriended fur trader, and future son-in-law, Theophile Bruguier. In fact, Bruguier would go on to build a log cabin which, today, is the oldest structure to still exist in Sioux City.
founded in 1854
Over twenty years later in 1854, founder John K. Cook travelled to this area upon request from the government to survey land on which to build a metropolis in the northwest part of Iowa. Even though the area had been inhabited by the Yankton Sioux for many years, it was Cook, with the help of his colleagues, who set out to draw the city boundaries.
railroad
Growth of Sioux City happened quickly, the railroad arrived in 1868, which brought technological advancement and opportunities. Eventually, Sioux City became a hub for railroad lines such as Pacific and Milwaukee, and at one time this was the 10th largest railroad center in the nation! And today, our very own Railroad Museum is home to one of only seven surviving roundhouse terminals in the nation.
corn palace
This railroad was essential in bringing supplies of a certain crop to help make the world’s first corn palace. Yep, Sioux City, not Mitchell, South Dakota, was the first place to ever build this unique structure. And using this bountiful crop to their benefit, Sioux City gained national attention.
jolly time popcorn
Corn continued to bring, not just national, but world-wide praise with the founding of the American Pop Corn Company. In 1914, Cloid H. Smith, began the company Jolly Time out of his basement on 27th and Nebraska. Today, households all across America, and beyond, still enjoy Sioux City’s very own Jolly Time Popcorn as a must-have snack while sitting down with the family to watch a movie.
twin bing
Diverting to another sugary snack, the Twin Bing! Created by Sioux City’s very own Palmer Candy in 1923, this candy has garnered national recognition. Growing up in Council Bluffs, I remember seeing it often in grocery stores and corner gas stations. And upon introducing several exchange students to this cherry-filled chocolate peanut cluster treat, it became an instant hit.
sue bee honey
Adding an additional sweet treat to the lineup, is Sue Bee Honey. Founded in 1921, Sioux City is the home of yet another reason to visit the dentist. I remember taking a tour of the Sue Bee Honey plant on Lewis Boulevard back in 2010, and I was amazed at the operation. Large steel drums full of honey, stacked on pallets nearly as high as the ceiling, and huge reservoirs filtering product into liquid gold.
gateway computers
Most recent, Gateway. My husband worked at Gateway, and I feel like half the town did in the early 2000s. Operating out of North Sioux City, South Dakota, this company was actually founded right outside of Sioux City on a farm in 1985. Specializing in direct sales, this company excelled in bringing the product directly to the customer, and by removing the middle man, they were able to sell product at an incredibly reduced price. I remember, back in 1999, being fascinated by my Uncle Don’s laptop, and in 2002 learning how to really use a computer in my freshman dorm’s computer lab, all of which were Gateways.
floyd monument
Now that we’ve explored some famous brands and companies which you were, or now are, familiar with, let’s look at a couple landmarks. The first being the Floyd Monument. Designated as the first National Historic Landmark of the United States, the Sergeant Floyd Monument was built in 1901, and marks the final resting place of Sergeant Charles Floyd, Jr., who was the only member of the Corps of Discovery to die on Lewis and Clark’s journey to explore the Louisiana Territory.
woodbury county courthouse
The other, is the Woodbury County Courthouse. You probably drive past this building every day, but did you know it holds a world record? Holding the title of the largest Prairie School style building in the world, the downtown courthouse was designed by world famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Named “the greatest American architect of all time” by the American Institute of Architects, Wright went on to use these long horizontal lines you see on the courthouse’s exterior in many of his residential and commercial builds.
flight 232
Tragically, Sioux City was ground zero for one of the largest airline disasters of all time. United Flight 232 crash landed in Sioux Gateway Airport on July 19th, 1989. While in flight from Denver to Chicago, the rear-mounted engine tore completely off, taking with it all three hydraulics lines. Out of the 296 passengers and crew, 185 survived the inferno, including all four pilots! After this crash, all DC-10s (which was the model of this airbus) were decommissioned, and this is why you never see planes with a tail-mounted engine any longer.
warrior hotel
Today, Sioux City is changing, becoming more competitive with its tourism. Phasing out the once popular name “Sewer City”, city council members have worked closely with government officials to preserve this town’s unique history. Employing dedicated construction firms that specialize in period-dating historic landmark buildings back to their glory days, Sioux City residents are eagerly waiting the unveiling of the Warrior Hotel.
Built in 1930, it was scheduled for demolition in 1990 after sitting vacant for nearly fifteen years. However, after much litigation, the structure was saved from being torn down, but would, again, remain vacant up until 2017, when a St. Louis firm was hired at a restoration cost of $73 million! The Warrior Hotel is scheduled to reopen to the public this Summer, and I’ve already made plans to ensure I’m one of the first to see inside.
saturday in the park
Saturday in the park occurs every year on the July 4th weekend. Since 1991, Sioux City’s population practically doubles during this outdoor music concert. Being host to artists and bands, such as BB King, Aretha Franklin, Sublime, Santana, Blues Traveler, Buddy Guy, and the Counting Crows, it’s truly a treat to witness these musical icons for free.
famous people
Finally, being a writer, I had to add this last part. The newspaper columnists Dear Abby and Anne Landers were twins born in Sioux City, and experienced world-wide fame with their weekly articles in numerous national newspapers. In addition, legendary guitarist, Tommy Bolin, of Deep Purple, was born here in Sioux City, and I still see his brother, Johnnie Bolin, driving around in his tribute car.
welcome to History March!
Being a tourist in your own town provides for daily excursions and adventures. I hope you enjoy learning more about Sioux City history this month, and come to realize, as I did, how unique this Midwest town really is.