Recognizing this, the Santa Fe Trail Association (SFTA), a non-profit national organization dedicated to preservation and educational projects involving the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, formed the Zebulon M. Pike Exploration Bicentennial Commission to initiate and coordinate events commemorating all aspects surrounding the Pike expedition.

Communities all along Pike’s route, drawn to the saga of Pike’s adventures that literally unfolded in their own back yards, and aware that their communities were a direct result of the historical processes brought on in the wake of Pike’s endeavor, have likewise embraced the bicentennial as their own.

Here are some highlights of these activities and events:

Senate Endorses the Bicentennial

In honor of Zebulon Montgomery Pike’s explorations into the West, including Colorado, United States Senator Ken Salazar (D-Colorado) drafted a Senate Resolution to officially recognize the bicentennial in 2006. Senator Salazar’s resolution, S.Res 252, was co-sponsored by Senator Wayne Allard (R-Colorado), and passed on November 15, 2005, exactly 199 years to the day of when Pike first glimpsed the mountain that would bear his name. Read More...

Colorado Artist Designs Bicentennial Logo

The image that will be seen with increasing frequency as the Pike bicentennial unfolds was created by Pueblo, Colorado, artist Ken Williams. Read more...

Colorado Springs Kicks Off Bicentennial

The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in Colorado Springs, Colorado, hosted a special Pike expedition bicentennial event on Sunday, January 22, 2006. Read More...

A Colorado Plaza for Pike

Pueblo, Colorado’s renowned Pike Plaza, one of the largest and certainly the most innovative of the nation’s architectural monuments to Pike and his expedition, will be the centerpiece of an ambitious program of bicentennial events. Click here for more.

Kansas Pike Plaza Nears Completion

The Wet/Dry Routes Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association puts the finishing touches on the first plaza to honor the Pike expedition in the state of Kansas. Click here for more.

Pike’s Journal Back in Print!

Just in time for the Bicentennial, the University of New Mexico Press has republished the complete journal of Pike’s southwestern expedition, making this historic work available to the public again after being out of print for nearly forty years. Click here for more.

Pike’s Journal Back in Print!

Just in time for the Bicentennial, the University of New Mexico Press has republished the complete journal of Pike’s southwestern expedition, making this historic work available to the public again after being out of print for nearly forty years. Click here for more.

Classic Pike Film Released on DVD

The bicentennial release of the award-winning film, “Zebulon Pike and the Blue Mountain,” is now available to the public on a digitally remastered DVD from Colorado-based Tamarack Productions. Click here for more.

“Captain Pike’s Company”

Plans Reenactments and Programs, click here for more.

July 14-15 – Pueblo, CO area (exhibit, monument dedication, and living history encampment)

October 6-9 – Bent’s Fort National Historic Site, CO (living history encampment only)

Travelers Can Hit the Trail in Colorado

On May 13, those planning to hit the Pike bicentennial trail can get in the exploration spirit with a unique opportunity to hike three miles along the original Santa Fe Trail behind an ox-drawn trader’s wagon, click here for more.

Comprehensive New Pike Exhibit in Pueblo Explores the Multi-Cultural Aspects of the Expedition

The Colorado Historical Society's El Pueblo History Museum in the city of Pueblo is the site of a unique new Pike bicentennial exhibit. “Explorer or Spy; The Pike Legacy” covers both the Spanish and American views of Pike’s expedition, and delves deeply into the conspiracy of U.S General Wilkinson and Aaron Burr—a plot that would cast doubt on Pike’s loyalty to the United States. Read More...

Pike Enduro to Retrace Route
and Raise Awareness

For fifteen days in August, endurance athlete David Pokorny will challenge Pike’s route—and climb his peak—to raise awareness for those who are fighting uphill battles of another kind. Read More...

New Pike Exhibit in Pueblo Explores Multi-Cultural Aspects of Expedition

The Colorado Historical Society's El Pueblo History Museum in the city of Pueblo is the site of a unique new Pike bicentennial exhibit. Read More...

October 15—Bicentennial Celebration of Pike's Crossing of the Cheyenne Bottoms

Activities include historical displays in the Camp Aldrich Dining Hall; living history presentations by noted historian David Clapsaddle of Larned, Kansas; and limited-access walking tours of Dalziel's Grove. Read More...

Santa Fe Trail Association to Focus on Pike at October 27-29 Rendezvous

The Santa Fe Trail Association has been at the forefront of helping coordinate Pike’s national bicentennial observance through its role the national sponsors of the Zebulon M. Pike Bicentennial Commission. As a part of the bicentennial, the Association will present a three-day seminar entitled “Zebulon Pike and the Birth of the Santa Fe Trail” at their 2006 Rendezvous. Read More...