Zebulon Pike in Santa Fe
Lewis and Clark are the names most people remember when they think of important explorers and pioneers of the American West. Zebulon Pike was probably just as ambitious, but he never gained the fame of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. This was partly because of bad luck.
Zebulon Pike was a lieutenant in the United States Army when he was 20 years old. He served on the frontier. After the US negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, General James Wilkinson sent Pike to explore the new territory and document the resources.
In 1806, Pike set out on his first expedition. He traveled west, through present-day Colorado, and reached the summit of what is now known as Pikes Peak. However, he mistook it for a smaller peak and did not realize its significance. This would become one of the reasons why he did not gain the same level of fame as Lewis and Clark.
Despite his mistake with Pikes Peak, Pike continued his expedition and entered Spanish territory, what is now the state of New Mexico. He arrived in Santa Fe, which was the capital of the Spanish territory at the time.
Pike and his men were initially treated with suspicion by the Spanish authorities, who believed they were part of a larger American invasion. However, Pike assured them of their peaceful intentions and was eventually allowed to stay in Santa Fe for a brief period.
During his time in Santa Fe, Pike observed and documented the Spanish colonial administration, military presence, and local customs. He also became familiar with the landscape and geography of the region, which would later prove useful during his second expedition.
After leaving Santa Fe, Pike continued his exploration and headed south into present-day Texas before being captured by Spanish forces. He and his men were taken to Chihuahua, Mexico, where they were held as prisoners.
Pike was eventually released and returned to the United States, where he faced criticism for his capture and the perceived failure of his expedition. However, his explorations and documentation laid the groundwork for future American expansion into the West.
Although Zebulon Pike may not have achieved the same level of fame as Lewis and Clark, his contributions to the exploration and understanding of the American West should not be overlooked. His time in Santa Fe, in particular, provided valuable insights into the Spanish presence in the region and helped shape American efforts to expand and settle the frontier.