Zebulon Pike: Anglo Interloper, American Hero Brainpower & Brownbags lecture series

Historian Brian Murphy speaks on "Zebulon Montgomery Pike: Anglo Interloper, American Hero."

Pike, a New Jersey native, led a U.S. expedition from Fort Bellefontaine near St. Louis to explore the Southwest. in This journey, which he is most remembered for, ended with his capture on February 26, 1807 by Spanish authorities in what was then northern New Mexico, now part of Colorado. Pike and his men were taken to Santa Fe, then to Chihuahua, where he appeared before the Commandant General Salcedo. Salcedo housed Pike with Juan Pedro Walker, a cartographer who also acted as an interpreter and transcriber for Pike's confiscated documents. While with Walker, Pike had access to various maps of the Southwest and learned of Mexican discontent with Spanish rule. Pike and his men were released, under protest, to the United States at the Louisiana border on July 1, 1807.

Pike's accounts dramatically changed exploration of the Southwest. His description of Chichuahuan politics led to the Mexican independence movement and improved trade conditions, which promoted development of the Santa Fe Trail.

This event is free and open to the public. The lecture series is usually held at the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library, 120 Washington Ave.; for large crowds, the event will be moved next door to the John Gaw Meem Meeting Room.