A few days later he crossed into what is now the State of Colorado, and on the 15th reached Purgatory River, a branch of the Arkansas. His purpose was to meet with the Comanche Indians near the headwaters of the Arkansas River, then to strike across the country to the head of Red River, and descend to Natchitoches according to the original plan.

Thus far, Pike had ascertained the sources of the Little Osage and the Neosho Rivers; had passed round the head of the Kansas River, and had discovered the headwaters of the South Platte River. He was now intent on finding the upper sources of the Red River. What Pike called the third fork was reached on November 23rd and he wrote: "As the river appeared to be dividing itself into many small branches and of course, must be near its extreme source, I concluded to put the party in a defensible situation; and then ascend the north fork to the high point of the blue mountain, which we conceived would be one day's march, in order to be enabled from its pinnacle to lay down the various branches and positions of the country."

The "third fork" was the St. Charles River, and Pike's encampment was made at what he called the "grand forks," or at the junction of the Fountain River with the Arkansas. The high point he referred to would later be named Pike's Peak. His men cut the necessary logs the next day, and erected a strong breastwork, five feet high on three sides, with the other opening on the south bank of the Arkansas River. Leaving all the others at this fort, Pike, Robinson, Miller and Brown started for the mountains. By the 26th they had ascended so high that they looked down on the clouds rolling across the plain to the east. The next day they reached the summit, after a very difficult time; having been obliged often to wade in snow waist deep. Returning, they reached the fort on the 29th, after which the surrounding country was explored for several miles in every direction in a vain search for the source of the Red River.

While Pike was in camp on the Rio del Norte River, in what is now New Mexico, he and his party were captured by a detachment of Spanish cavalry and conducted to Santa Fe. This was in February, 1807. He was well treated, and after being taken to Chihuahua, where his papers were confiscated, was conducted east through what is now Texas and finally liberated near Natchitoches, Louisiana.

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Native American Postcards - Legends of America and the Rocky Mountain General Store has collected numerous Native American postcards - both new and vintage. For many of these, we have only one available.  To see this varied collection, click HERE!