Near Mosca in Alamosa County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Sounds of Silence
Pike and his men enter New Spain through Medano Pass
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2020
1. Sounds of Silence Marker
On January 27, 1807, U.S. Army Lt. Zebulon Pike and nine soldiers (affectionally called "Dam'd Set of Rascals" by Pike) crossed the Sangre de Cristo Mountains over Medano Pass to enter the territory of New Spain. On orders of his commander, Pike's mission was to perform a reconnaissance of the Spanish borders of the Province of New Mexico.
Since the day's march had been severe, involving a steep ascent through three feet of snow carrying weighty packs, camp was made in the first timber encountered. The next day they discovered the San Luis Valley and camped at the foot of the Great Sand Dunes. On the 29th, just before reaching Zapata Creek and camp, Pike and his men paused to look back and silently reflect upon their ordeal and accomplishment.
You are invited to share this timeless moment and ponder what thoughts this ragtag group possessed. The high snow filled pass; the amazing and unexpected sand dunes; and the immense valley with a jagged mountain crest boundary remains virtually unchanged today. As you contemplate, what are your thoughts?
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical date for this entry is January 27, 1807.
Location. 37° 39.74′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Understanding the Great Sand Dunes System: the Sand Sheet (here, next to this marker); L.B. "Bill" Casselman (here, next to this marker); Understanding the Great Sand Dunes System: the Sabkha (here, next to this marker); Evidence of a Changing World (here, next to this marker); Pike and Southwest Commerce (approx. 1.8 miles away); "Totally Unique and Unexpected" (approx. 3.8 miles away); A Landmark for People (approx. 4.7 miles away); Zebulon Pike's "sand-hills" (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mosca.
More about this marker. The marker is heavily deteriorated.
Also see . . .
1. Zebulon Pike's Mysterious Western Expeditions. Thought Co. website entry (Submitted on April 15, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Zebulon Pike - Hard Luck Soldier and Explorer. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on August 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 15, 2020
2. Sounds of Silence Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 182 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
