Zebulon Pike's Expeditions and Discoveries

The transcript details the expeditions commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, focusing on Zebulon Pike's explorations. Pike's early life in a military family, his expeditions to the Upper Mississippi River, and his southern journey to locate the Arkansas River are highlighted. The narrative also covers Pike's capture by Spanish officials, his potential involvement in the Burr conspiracy, and the legend of a lost city. Pike's military career culminates in his death during the Battle of York.

Who commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

• President James Madison

• President George Washington

• President John Adams

• President Thomas Jefferson

What was Zebulon Pike's role in the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase?

• He was a translator for the Native American tribes.

• He led the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

• He surveyed the southern regions of the Louisiana Purchase.

• He was a cartographer for the expedition.

What was Zebulon Pike's connection to the Salem Witch Trials?

• He was a judge during the trials.

• His ancestor, Robert Pike, opposed the use of spectral evidence.

• He wrote a book about the trials.

• He was accused of witchcraft.

What was the incorrect conclusion Zebulon Pike made about the Mississippi River?

• He believed it originated in Canada.

• He claimed it flowed into the Pacific Ocean.

• He said it was the longest river in the world.

• He identified Leech Lake as its source.

What was the original name given to Pikes Peak by Edwin James?

• Rocky Peak

• Zebulon Summit

• Pike's Mountain

• James Peak

Why were Zebulon Pike and his men detained by Spanish officials?

• They were trading illegally with Native Americans.

• They attacked a Spanish outpost.

• They were lost and crossed into Spanish territory.

• They were accused of spying.

What was the potential hidden agenda of Zebulon Pike's expedition?

• To establish a new trade route.

• To map the entire Louisiana Purchase.

• To gather intelligence on the Spanish for Aaron Burr.

• To find gold in the region.

What inconsistency was found in Pike's reports about the Great Plains?

• He said it was covered in forests.

• He reported it as a mountainous region.

• He claimed it was uninhabited.

• He described it as a desert in his official report.

What was the outcome of the Battle of York for Zebulon Pike?

• He died from an explosion.

• He was promoted to General.

• He was captured by the British.

• He successfully captured the city.

What is the legend associated with Zebulon Pike's journals?

• They described a mythical creature.

• They were lost in a shipwreck.

• They were written in a secret code.

• They contained a map to a lost city of gold.