In the conclusion of our series, Zebulon Pike sets off into the Louisiana Territory amid rumors of war with Spain. It will be a perilous journey that will almost cost lives of his entire party (although a few will lose some toes in the process).
Maps of Pike’s Journey West (source)
Pike’s route throughout the west.
Pike’s route through the Rocky Mountains
I recommend going to zebulonpike.net to see all their detailed maps following Pike throughout his journey. The maps are fantastic.
Recommended Sources
Jared Orsi’s Citizen Explorer: The Life of Zebulon Pike was a comprehensive look at Pike, his world and his journeys. It was my favorite book on Pike – and highly recommend it if you want to know more about the man and his world.
Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the West is a nice collection of essays about – you guessed it – Pike, Jefferson and the opening of the American west. It doesn’t provide the detail regarding Pike as Orsi’s book, but it delves more into the other players and the American mindset.
The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike (Vol. 1-3) are Pike’s own journals. In the late 1800, Elliott Coues provided a heavily annotated version of the journals – they are what I was able to read. As they are public domain documents, you can read them for free online.
Zebulonpike.net is a website set up detailing Pike’s western journey. It has a ton of information – including maps – a couple of which I have placed on this page.
Wikipedia has a good Pike page if you just want to read an overview of his life.
Loved it! Pikes Peak is my backyard and all the areas you described are in the area. Really enjoyed your podcast, thank you.
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Christopher, thanks for the note. I used to live in Castle Rock, so Pikes Peak was a half hour from my home. Went to the top on the train!
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