Zebulon Pike Was a Soldier Best Known

Zebulon Pike was a soldier best known to be an early explorer of the Louisiana Territory. His expedition from St. Louis to the Louisiana Purchase was as significant for the nation as that of Lewis and Clark who had preceded him in their explorations. Pike is remembered for two expeditions, which he led in exploring the newly acquired territory of Louisiana Purchase. His explorations have always been overshadowed by those of Lewis and Clark. This is mainly because his explorations were questionable in terms of their intentions. It was thought he was a spy, or he had secret military orders for provoking war with Spain. His first exploration mission was to find the source of Mississippi River, and the second exploration was for exploration of the regions surrounding the Arkansas and Red Rivers

The first exploration by Zebulon Pike started in August 1805. General James Wilkinson, who was the governor of the Louisiana Territory, sent Pike on this exploration with the mission to find the source of the Mississippi River. General Wilkinson was a double agent for Spain and he had other ulterior motives behind sending Pike on these explorations. The mission for the exploration was also to purchase sites from the American Indians. These sites were to be used for future military posts. Pike was also commanded to bring with him a few important chiefs on his return to St. Louis for talks. Pike took a force of twenty men to accompany him on his first expedition. He departed from Fort Bellefontaine on a seventy-foot keelboat. Pike and his men explored the Mississippi river into the modern day Minnesota where they travelled to Cass River, which they incorrectly identified as the source of the Mississippi river. Although Pike did not find the correct source of the river, he did hold important talks with different tribes in the regions that he and his men passed through.

On his return to St. Louis, Pike was sent for his second expedition in July 1806. This was a far more dangerous expedition and vital trip. Pike was to explore the Rocky Mountains, and the country towards the Rio Grande. This expedition was under the order of General Wilkinson. Pike's second expedition still puzzles many people two centuries later. The main purpose for this expedition is mixed as Pike states that he was to explore westward and find the sources for the Red River and Arkansas River, but it is believed that Wilkinson had other intentions. It is believed that this exploration was more of a spy mission and not for exploration purposes. Pike was also supposed to get captured in order to spy on the Spanish troops closely. This time round Pike had twenty three men including the son of General Wilkinson. There were also fifty Osage Indians who had been captured. The Osage Indians were to be released and returned to their homes. Since they were been returned home, the captives ensured that Pike's party was well received when they arrived at the Osage villages.

Pike's second expedition followed the Osage and Missouri rivers to the Osage village at the present day border of Missouri and Kansas. After returning the hostages, the expedition headed northwest for the Pawnee territory. On arrival at Pawnee village, Pike instructed the Pawnee to fly the American flag and remove the Spanish flag