O Beautiful For Spacious Skies...

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 the lyrics for “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 two 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 with a spyglass, 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. . . Pikes Peak Facts . ♦The Ute Indians knew Pikes Peak as Sun Mountain." . ♦Pikes Peak was the landmark prospectors looked for and drove towards in the 1858 "Pikes Peak or Bust" gold rush. . ♦The summit is only 10 miles away by air, but 28 miles by road. . ♦The air on top has only 50% of the oxygen pressure as at sea level. . ♦Weather on top is generally 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) colder than Colorado Springs, much windier, with intense sunlight and the possibility of snow any day of the year. . ♦Winter snow rarely lasts through the intense summer sunshine. . This historical marker is in Colorado Springs in El Paso County Colorado