Through careful examination of primary documents, this book reveals that the true purpose of Zebulon Pike's western expedition in 1806–1807 was not innocent exploration of the West but an espionage mission in preparation for an American invasion of New Mexico.
• Clarifies the true purpose of Zebulon Pike's 1806–1807 western journey and answers the question asked for more than 200 years: Was Pike an explorer or a spy?
• Examines historical evidence that Pike's actual purpose was to conduct a military reconnaissance in preparation for an American invasion of New Mexico
• Explains how Pike rightfully earned the title, "Father of the Santa Fe Trail," with the 1810 publication of his book, An Account of Expeditions
