Emmetsburg Democrat in Emmetsburg, Iowa

Pike Explored Mississippi Along Iowa 150 Years Ago

Pike led a Federal expedition up the Mississippi from St. Louis in 1800 to map the river route, locate posts, and study British trader activity. The field party, including Native American guides, reached Burlington and Dubuque where mines were noted, met Sioux at Wabasha, and traced the river into present Minnesota before turning back. The account highlights the diary entries and maps reprinted by Iowa’s State Historical Society.