Pike, Zebulon Montgomery (1779-1813)

US explorer and military leader. Pike discovered many new places in the west, including Pike's Peak, a mountain peak in Colorado that was later named after him. In 1806 he was sent to find the headwaters of the Arkansas and Red rivers, and to contest Spanish presence in the area. Pike and his men built a fort in Spanish territory in 1806, but were arrested, and taken to Santa Fé, and then Chihuahua. He was released in Louisiana in 1807, but his maps and notes were confiscated to prevent the USA from discovering the route to Santa Fé. However, Pike was able to give the US government valuable information regarding the Spanish colonies and Hispanic lifestyle, and was promoted to brigadier general for his service.

Pike, born in Lamberton, New Jersey, joined the army at age 15 and served in the Department of the West. In 1805 he was sent by the governor of the Louisiana Territory to explore the source of the Mississippi River. Pike was killed in action in the Anglo-American War 1812-14.