After the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory in 1803, the young nation needed brave pioneers to explore this vast uncharted land. Zebulon Pike, a young frontier soldier, welcomed the challenge. Heading southwest from St. Louis, Missouri, Pike led an expedition across rolling prairies before arriving at the towering mountains. Pike became the first American to explore the southern Rocky Mountains, recording detailed maps. The highest peak in the range, which he never reached himself, now bears his name, Pikes Peak. Authors William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green explore the life of this American trailblazer.