Though the real 200th anniversary of Zebulon Pike’s trek through Colorado isn’t until November, communities all along his route through the southern part of the state begin their celebrations next week. – Denver Post staff writer Jack Cox
Pueblo has scheduled a parade, concerts, historic re-enactments and a dinner for July 15, to commemorate the explorer’s departure from St. Louis July 15, 1806. In addition, four lectures on Pike and the expedition will be presented July 10-13 at the El Pueblo Museum, where Pike’s sword will be on display as part of an exhibit examining both the Spanish and American views of the expedition. Info: 719-583-0453.
In Colorado Springs, where 200 members of the Pike Family Association will be on hand for a national convention, a time capsule placed during the Pike centennial in 1906 will be opened July 15 in Antlers Park. Pike’s original handwritten orders, maps and journals – all on loan from the National Archives – will be on display in the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum beginning July 14, part of a three-part bicentennial exhibition. Info: 719-385-5990.
At the historical museum in Rocky Ford there will be a free program on Pike’s trail and U.S. 50 at 7 p.m. July 13. Info: rockyfordmuseum.com.
On July 14, a breakfast at Pike’s Tower in Lamar and a lunch in Boggsville will be followed by a ceremony at the site of the first sighting of Pikes Peak, near Las Animas. Info: 719-336-3476.
On July 21, Zebulon Pike will be portrayed by John Patrick Michael Murphy at 7:30 p.m. at the Steam Plant in Salida. The program will be repeated Aug. 12 in Buena Vista.
On July 22-23 at Royal Gorge Park west of Cañon City, there will be music, historical re-enactors and a trail ride. Info: Cañon City Chamber of Commerce, 719-275-2331.
Historian Mark Gardner will discuss Pike’s journals Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Reservations: 719-385-5631.
Pike-era music will be performed in a free concert at 1 p.m. Aug. 12 in the park outside the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs.
La Junta will celebrate Early Settlers Day on Sept. 9. Info: 719-384-7411.
There will be a Frontier History Encampment Sept. 16 in Lamar. Info: 719-336-4227.
The exhibition “Different Perspectives: Pikes Peak,” opens Sept. 22 at Sangre de Cristo Arts Center in Pueblo.
The first-ever “Bike With Pike” century ride runs 100 miles along Pike’s route from John Martin Reservoir to the annual chile festival in Pueblo on Sept. 23. Info: Frontier Pathways, 719-583-8631.
Bent’s Old Fort, northeast of La Junta, hosts an Explorers Encampment Oct. 6-8. Info: 719-383-5010.
A monument to the first sighting of Pikes Peak, about 10 miles southeast of Las Animas, will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Info: 719-336-3476
A buffalo barbecue will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24 on the site west of Salida, where Pike and his men feasted for Christmas in 1806. Info: 719-539-6744.
For information about Pike’s journey, including maps showing his route through Colorado, visit .
