Visitors encouraged to take a hike, learn about Zebulon Pike

SACKETS HARBOR — As part of the Pike National Historic Trail, a much shorter path will help call attention to the initiative here on April 27.

From 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site will host its “Pike Hike & Bike,” honoring the life and legacy of Brigadier General Zebulon Montgomery Pike.

Mayor Alex M. Morgia has proclaimed April 27 as Zebulon Pike Day in the village.

“Recognition of Pike’s presence in Jefferson County will help increase awareness of his journey as well as the history of Jefferson County/Sackets Harbor and the many cultural, educational and recreational opportunities offered in the area,” the proclamation designating the day reads.

Prior to the War of 1812, Pike was a well-traveled explorer of the American West as an army captain, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. He explored the southern portions of the Louisiana territory. He climbed in rank steadily until being promoted to brigadier general after fighting at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 during Tecumseh’s War, a conflict between the U.S. and Tecumseh’s Confederacy, led by the Shawnee leader Tecumseh in the Indiana Territory.

With the War of 1812 underway, Pike was assigned to lead a campaign north from Sackets Harbor to Canada.

“Pike led the easy capture of York (present-day Toronto) after landing his 1,600 regulars across the Lake Ontario against a much smaller combined British force,” according to American Battlefield Trust. “Though the garrison was easily captured, retreating British soldiers set fire to its buildings, resulting in a terrific explosion as the flames reached the powder magazine. The explosion wounded 222 soldiers, and killed an additional 38, with Pike among one of the dead.”

Pike later died aboard his ship. His body was supposedly returned to Sackets Harbor in a barrel of spirits in 1813.

The nonprofit Pike National Historic Trail Association was created in 2007 to promote and preserve the legacy of Pike. It seeks federal designation of the trail.

The trail, which would be on public highways, would honor Pike’s explorations. In 1805-1806, Pike explored the source of the Mississippi newly acquired from France in 1803. He led an expedition to present-day Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. His second expedition was to the American southwest and parts of New Spain (Mexico) in 1806-1807. The Pike National Historic Trail would wind its way through the areas those expeditions visited. It totals 4,123 miles. Adding canoe trips and surveying would bring that total to 9,000 miles.

The Sackets Harbor Pike Trail, at 2.5 miles, is an extension of the Pike National Historic Trail Association’s tri-national trail honoring pike. Pike recorded 4,123.6 miles. When cargo trips and surveying are added, his total rises to 9,000 miles.

Pike was first buried at the Navy Yard, today the historic battlefield site. By 1820, he was reburied in the “new” Madison Barracks cemetery, where a monument was added in 1885. Pike was again reburied in 1909 in the relocated Military Cemetery off Dodge Avenue in the village.

Pike Bike & Hike maps will be available at the event and commemorative stickers will be available for free.

“Brigadier General Zebulon Montgomery Pike served at Sackets Harbor during the War of 1812,” said Constance B. Barone, director of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. “The newly created Mexico-U.S.-Canada Pike trail is a visible reminder of his importance in American history. Many locations across the United States are named in his honor, but Sackets Harbor can truly claim him, as Pike is buried in our Military Cemetery.