Pike Day Hike and Bike

Follow part of the historic trail of General Zebulon Pike during this year’s Pike Day Hike and Bike on Saturday, April 27, from 1 to 3 pm, in Sackets Harbor.

A renowned military officer and explorer, General Pike discovered the headwaters of five major rivers in the United States. He famously led expeditions through the Louisiana Purchase territory and the Rocky Mountains, which would lead to the highest summit on the Rocky Ridge in Colorado being named Pike’s Peak.

In New York State, General Pike served at Sackets Harbor during the War of 1812. On April 27, 1813, he led a raid on York, Upper Canada (now Toronto), where he was killed. He was brought back to the United States and buried first at the US Navy Yard (now part of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield), later moved to the Madison Barracks cemetery in 1820 with a monument added in 1885, and ultimately relocated to the current Military Cemetery in 1909.

Pike was just 34 years old when he died, but his explorations spanned three countries and more than 9,000 miles. Today’s “General Zebulon Montgomery Pike Trinational Historic Trail” follows his path, which traversed across 24 US states, three Mexican provinces, and two Canadian provinces.

The Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site and the New York State Parks Department are partnering to bring the Pike Day Hike and Bike to the community. Participants can learn more about General Pike, his role in the War of 1812, and his legacy, while also enjoying a walk or bicycle ride along a portion of his historic path.

Register for the event and pick up a route map and flyer at the (former) Union Hotel building, at 401 West Main Street, in Sackets Harbor. The route will include the Sackets Harbor Battlefield Historic Site (and its Navy Yard), Fort Pike Park, and the Sackets Harbor Military Cemetery, where Pike was buried.

For more information, please contact the Battlefield Historic Site by phone at 315-646-3634 or visit the Battlefield’s website.