Will Ferril was the Curator of the State Historical and Natural Society of Colorado, 1896-1910.

Ferril writes:
"WITH the cession of the Province of Louisiana by France to the United States in 1803, there was opened a new field for the explorer. The centennial of that purchase has been celebrated by a World's Fair at St. Louis, and American heroism has added its century link to the historical chain of Spanish and French exploration. Lewis and Clark in 1804-6, explored the northwest and the Oregon country, and Lieutenant Zebulon Montgomery Pike, the headwaters of the Mississippi, in 1805-6. A third expedition was then planned in continuing the investigation of the resources of this new acquisition, and Lieut. Pike was detailed to explore the plains and the Rocky Mountains. As with the Spanish and French, there was the wandering gold seeker, hunter and trapper. Even before the purchase, Americans were beginning to find their way into this western land, and especially, soon thereafter. "

Originally published in 1911; reformatted for the Kindle; may contain occasional imperfection; original spellings have been kept in place.