Pike's Stockade

Pike's Stockade is a reconstructed wooden fort with a square design and two bastions positioned along its northern side near Sanford, Colorado. The site includes an underground tunnel that runs beneath the walls, serving as an access point to the interior structures.

The fort originated in 1807 when American explorer Zebulon Pike and his expedition party were discovered here by Spanish cavalry. This encounter marked a pivotal moment in the growing rivalry between the United States and Spain for control of western territories.

The stockade embodies the tensions between early American explorers and Spanish authorities who competed for control of this frontier region. The encounter shaped diplomatic relations and territorial claims that would influence the continent's future.

The site is located about 8 miles northeast of Sanford and can be accessed via County Road 24. Informational markers throughout the grounds explain the historical context and help visitors understand the different features of the fort.

The fort was reconstructed not as an exact replica but with modern accommodations such as the underground tunnel built into its design. These additions allow visitors today to explore the interior while preserving the historical structure itself from excessive wear.

Location: Colorado

GPS coordinates: 37.29363,-105.80994

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:25