Pike County was named after Zebulon Pike, an explorer and soldier. There are two National Parks in Pike County. One of them is called Grubb Hollow Prairie Nature Preserve. The other is called Twin Culvert Cave Nature Preserve. Pike County was formed in 1821 out of Madison County. Zebulon Pike lead the Pike expedition in 1806 to map out the south and west portions of the Louisiana Purchase. Pike served at the Battle of Tippecanoe, and was killed in 1813 in the War of 1812. Pike county is bordered by the Mississippi River on the western side, and the Illinois River on the eastern side. The county court house is located in Pittsfield. Some towns here are: Nebo, Atlas, Barry, Hull, Detroit, Valley City, and many more.