May 18

May 18 Overshadowed by Lewis and Clark - Zebulon Pike's Expedition

Zebulon Pike led two journeys of exploration into the Louisiana Territory.

Although not nearly as famous as the Lewis and Clark Expedition (which happened at exactly the same time), Pike’s work is no less important.

Zebulon Pike

Zebulon Pike was born during the Revolutionary War.

His father served with the Continental Army and Zebulon grew up travelling with his family on the western frontier.

In 1799, a 20-year-old Pike joined the US Army and began a decorated military career.

Minnesota

Pike quickly impressed his superiors and rose through the young Army’s ranks.

He was singled out by the Senior Officer of the Amy, James Wilkinson, who placed Zebulon in charge of an expedition looking for the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Pike completed the first American journey into the heart of Minnesota, meeting Native American Tribes with whom he signed treaties and attempted to establish peace along the way.

This journey was only the second exploration of the Louisiana Territory completed by the United States (after Lewis and Clark) and the first to return.

The Pike Expedition

Less than a year after his first trip, Pike was instructed to go out once again.

Known as the Pike Expedition, Zebulon led the first team of discovery to the southwest.

After finding their way through the southern Rocky Mountains, the adventurers crossed into New Mexico where they were captured by Spanish authorities.

Technically, they had invaded Mexico, though their group was obviously too small to be treated as an army. Instead, the Spanish (who still controlled Mexico) kept them as prisoners but permitted them to walk about Santa Fe relatively unmolested.

Author

Eventually, internal strife in the Spanish Government led to Pike’s team being brought back to the United States and being set free.

Zebulon wrote a book about his journey’s called The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike which became a hit and was quickly translated into several languages.

Pike remained in the US Army and during the War of 1812 was promoted to Brigadier General.

The Battle of York

Zebulon led the American forces during the Battle of York, which was essentially an invasion of modern Toronto.

Although the attack was a success, the British soldiers destroyed their gunpowder as they evacuated.

Sadly, the resulting explosion killed several Americans and, among them, their leader...Zebulon Pike.

Want to read about more FOUNDERS ON THE FRONTIER?

Great! Check out these articles:

The First American Adventurer - John Ledyard

Temporary Freedom - York and the Corps of Discovery

Daniel Boone - Founding Father on the Frontier

Zebulon Pike has several books about his life.

‘The Opening of the American West’ is a collection of essays by several authors who discuss Pike’s legacy, including the role he may (or may not) have played in the Aaron Burr Conspiracy.

Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).