Pike Expedition (1806-1807)
Zebulon Pike was an army lieutenant sent by the U.S. government to
explore the southern part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1806. Pike’s
goals were to meet with Indian tribes and to collect information on
the region’s natural history.
The government particularly wanted to know if ships could sail the
Arkansas River. Pike followed the river to the Rocky Mountains foothills,
where his party was captured by Spanish soldiers because they were exploring
land owned by Spain.
Pike was held in Mexico for six months and most of his expedition notes
were confiscated. After his release, Pike prepared a report to the U.S.
government in which he described the Plains as the “Great American
Desert.” |
