Sunset on a famous Chief
I thought I'd drive up to the War Eagle Monument for a nice view of the tri state area and maybe catch the sunset. I am currently in Sioux City, Iowa and the Missouri River separates Iowa from South Dakota and Nebraska. South Dakota is the peninsula that juts into the Missouri River - it is the extreme southeast tip of South Dakota, also known as Dakota Dunes, which is a part of North Sioux City, SD. South Sioux City, Nebraska is across the river. Follow?
I am standing on the loess hills of Iowa. Loess is wind blown silt pulverized from the glacier during the last ice age. The silt was washed down from meltwaters and became wind-blown when dried. The silt accumulated in dunes similar to sand dunes on a beach - only much larger! The loess hills are defined as accumulations of loess greater than 60 feet, though in many cases it is over 200 feet! As you drive along I-29 south from South Dakota into Iowa, the dunes are evident on the eastern side of the road.
Cheif War Eagle is famous for being tolerant of the white man. Under his leadership, two of his daughters married white men against their tribal traditions. His tolerance of white men helped lead to the settlement of Sioux City. The monument itself is not that impressive, but the story is important and the view is great!
