Written by Zebulon Pike is best known for discovering Pike’s Peak in the Colorado Mountain Pike and also assisted in charting the Louisiana Territory.
He was born on January 5, 1779, in Lamberton, New Jersey, U.S.
Zebulon Pike’s travels in 1805 led him to discover the source of the Mississippi River. He explored the headwaters with a 20-man exploring party and discovered the river’s source.
Next, he explored the southern part of the new territory and the Spanish border, including the Arkansas and Red Rivers, in 1806.
During this expedition to New Mexico, he was captured by Spanish troops on the charge of illegal entry. Then after months, he and his troops were released on July 1, 1807.
Zebulon Pike was also promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the army. He fought in the War of 1812, during which he was killed leading an assault on York, now the Canadian city of Toronto.
