Zebulon Montgomery Pike (1779-1813)

Zebulon Pike
The Expedition of Discovery

Lieutenant Zebulon Pike led his men on an expedition of discovery to the upper reaches of the Mississippi in 1805-06. His objectives were to reconnoiter British fur trade operations, establish a military post north of St Louis, and develop treaty relations with tribal leaders.

Pike first encountered British fur trade operations at Cedar lake on January 2, 1806, just west of present-day Aitkin. He became an invited guest of Mr. Grant, the man in charge of the North West Company post. Pike bivouacked at Cedar lake and met with area Ojibwe chiefs during his stay.

Tense Moments During First Encounter With The British

At the same time Lewis & Clark were entrusted with famed mission of discovery of the West, General James Wilkinson commissioned Lieutenant Zebulon Pike to conduct an expedition of discovery to the headwaters of the Mississippi. President Thomas Jefferson was eager to discover the economic potential of the recent Louisiana Purchase and wanted to be informed about foreign interests that currently occupied the territory.

Pike commanded a party of men from the First Regiment of the United States Infantry on the mission,which included as an objective, the reconnaissance of British fur trade operations in the upper Mississippi region.

The North West Company had a post at nearby (Lower Red) Cedar lake in the late 1700s. The site is just four miles west of present-day Aitkin. On January 2, 1806, Pike and his men encountered a party from the Cedar lake post. This was Pike's first contact with British trade operations during the expedition. The meeting caused some tense moments for both parties, as Pike's journal states:

Jan. 2d. - Fine warm day. Discovered fresh sign of Indians. Just as we were encamping at night, my sentinel informed us that some Indians were coming full speed upon our trail or track. I ordered my men to stand by their guns carefully. They were immediately at my camp, and saluted the flag by discharge of three pieces; when four Chipeways, one Englishman (Mr. Grant), and a Frenchman of the N. W. Company, presented themselves. They informed us that some women, having discovered our trail, gave the alarm, and not knowing but it was their enemies, they had departed to make a discovery. They had heard of us and revered our flag. Mr. Grant, the Englishman, had only arrived the day before from Lake De Sable, from which he had marched in one day and a half. I presented the Indians with half a deer, which they received thankfully, for they had discovered our fires some days ago, and believing it to be the Sioux, they dared not leave their camp. They returned, but Mr. grant remained all night.

Pike spent some time in the area and bivouacked at the Cedar lake post, as a guest of Mr. Grant, who was in charge of the post. Pike met with Babesigaundibay, or Curly Head as he was called. He was an important chief in the region. Pike also stopped again at this post during his return back down to his wintering headquarters. Pike noted the details of his visit to the our area in his journal and made notes as to the layout of the Cedar lake post.

Pike's Eventful Life Ends In Tragedy

American explorer and army officer, Zebulon Montgomery Pike was born in Trenton, New Jersey. He entered the army about 1793 and became a second lieutenant in 1799. The year following his expedition to the Mississippi headwaters, he was assigned to another expedition through the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. During this expedition, he was captured and later released by the Spanish when he strayed into Spanish territory. Pikes Peak in Colorado, which was first noted by him during this expedition today bears his name. During the War of 1812, as a brigadier general, Pike directed the assault on the town of York (Toronto), Canada, and during the battle was killed by the accidental explosion of a powder magazine.

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In addition to our Festival of Adventures fur trade rendezvous, we also offer an 1890s pinery camp experience. In the era that followed the statewide Jack Pine harvest, White Oak became an important replacement to Jack Pine. During the pinery camp era, White Oak was cut as a hardwood. White Oak was used in the making of furniture and for cooperage. As the river pigs floated the White Oak logs to the mill, deer would gather along the river to drink. Deer and the river were the constant companions of the men as they floated White Oak to the mill each spring.