Local historian outlines Zebulon Pike trail commemorative signs and maintenance needs

Kit, a county surveyor and former county commissioner, updated the Board of County Commissioners on the Zebulon Pike Trails commemorative project during the March 13 meeting.

He told commissioners that a multi‑county initiative in 2006 installed 16 commemorative signs marking Pike’s westward expedition, four of which are in Custer County (including Reed Ranch and a Silver Cliff site). Kit said many of the signs are now 18 years old and weathered; some duplicates intended as replacements (installed earlier) cannot be located by federal and state land managers. He said the project has duplicate signs for the county locations ready to be replaced and is seeking coordination with the county tourism board and other partners to reproduce or re‑install missing signs in other jurisdictions.

Kit also provided a historical summary of Pike’s expedition, noting the expedition’s 1806 route through the Arkansas River valley, difficulties the party faced crossing passes in winter, and later capture by Spanish authorities near the San Luis Valley.

Commissioners thanked Kit for the briefing and agreed to stay updated with the project and potential tourism benefits; Kit said he has circulated brochures and worked with the tourism board and other partners on funding and signage design.

Ending

Kit asked that the county remain informed while he pursues replacements and possible additional funding; the board said staff could work with tourism entities to support sign replacement and public interpretation efforts.