Eric Jones

In 1803, Thomas Jefferson purchased the territory of Louisiana from Napoleon and the French Authorized without Congressional approval Doubled size of US Led the way for westward expansion

Jefferson sent men to explore the new territory Famous Lewis and Clark expedition Zebulon Pike sent on two expeditions by General James Wilkinson, approved by Jefferson

1805- Pike and his men left St. Louis Main Objectives: Find source of Mississippi River Search land that could be used for military posts and commercial use Meet Indians Prolonged trip forced the men to stay near present day Minnesota over winter Stayed near Sioux Indians during the winter

Arranged treaty with Sioux, gaining valuable land for military posts Failed to locate source of Mississippi River and named wrong lake as river’s source Returned home the following spring

1806- shortly after he returned from his first expedition, Pike was sent on his second expedition by General Wilkinson Main Objectives: Locate headwaters for Arkansas and Red Rivers Meet with Pawnee and Comanche Indian Tribes Travel Southwest and investigate Spanish settlements

While traveling, Pike explored the southern mountains and discovered the mountain that now bears his name He dropped most of his men in Pueblo, Colorado, and took a few men back to attempt to reach the summit The men were not properly prepared for the cold conditions they had to endure Did not reach summit, had to return to his men and continue exploring

Pike was arrested near the Rio Grande River by the Spanish They were already watching the men closely Pike claims he thought he was still on the Red River, but he went with them without being forced The Spanish escorted him to Santa Fe and questioned him Escorted him through Texas, back onto American soil and released him

Pike carried a small notebook with him that contained his sketches, information he gathered, maps, and was used as a journal Spanish confiscated it when they arrested him Later returned to State Department in 1910

Vice President Aaron Burr was charged with treason after it was discovered that he had plans for an independent Republic comprised of Mexico and the western states east of the Mississippi River with New Orleans its capital General Wilkinson was involved in the act, and this linked Pike as well Pike’s actions in Spanish territory were now in question People believed he was a spy

He pled innocence and his name was cleared The information he provided for the United States was too great for him to be a spy He might have been a spy for the U.S. Jefferson wrote a letter to James Madison, telling him to deny Pike being a spy

Although he returned under suspicion, he cleared his name and brought back valuable information He had gained intelligence on the Spanish and their ruling of their territory Mapped most of the region he explored and made discoveries such as Pike’s Peak Learned of Native Americans in area Although he failed to achieve some of his main objectives, his expeditions were successful Information was extremely valuable

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