Existing comment:
O beautiful for spacious skies...
Travelers have been drawn to the towering rock formations of Garden of the Gods and the world famous Pikes Peak for centuries. The view from the summit inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" in 1893.
Pikes Peak was named for Zebulon Montgomery Pike, an American explorer and lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Pike was assigned to explore the Arkansas River to its source. On November 15, 1806, Pike wrote in his journal:
"At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, I thought I could distinguish a mountain to our right, which appeared to be a small blue cloud; viewed it was a spy glass, and it was still more confirmed in my conjecture... in half an hour, (the mountains) appeared in full view before us. When our small party arrived on the hill, they with one accord gave three cheers..."
Ten days later, Pike and his men attempted to reach the top but failed, due to a snowstorm. In reference to their lack of preparation, Pike entered into his journal: "I believe no human could have ascended to its pinnacle."
Despite his failed attempt, Pike has the honor of having the mountain named after him. |