Fishing on the Net

By Bonnie Nelson

The definition of Manitou Springs is “Sacred Springs”. Historically, Native American tribes lived here and considered this area sacred. Tribes that frequented Manitou were the Ute, Arapaho, Cheyenne and the Kiowa. “Springs” was coined due to the high levels of carbonic acid in the ground water that created a natural soda water. This tonic water was thought to have healing powers that helped with digestion and skin problems.

The United States first learned about the springs with the 1803 purchase of the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon. President Thomas Jefferson ordered military surveys of the area. Zebulon Pike, then a Lieutenant, explored the southwest portion of the Territory in 1806.  One of his published reports attracted Doctor Edwin James to the area. He wrote of the health benefits of the mineral waters found in Manitou.
Manitou Springs.

Manitou was once name “La Font”, or the Fountain.  It was being surveyed and laid out by John Blair.  An investor, William Blackmore suggested that “Manitou” might have a more romantic sound to it.  The name was changed and the first hotel, the Manitou House, was opened in August of 1872. The city, laid out just like a European Spa town, spread across the hillside.  It had public facilities, hotels, and parks that occupied the central core, and villa lots.

Unfortunately, the financial panic of 1873 hit Manitou especially hard and images of beautiful villas evaporated into small wooden shops and cottages. By the end of the 1890’s, the town had built a magnificent Queen-Anne style Bath House, a large bottling plant for the ever popular Manitou Table Water and Ginger Champagne, and seven elegant hotels (the Barker House and the Cliff House still exist), among other attractions. During the summer, families would arrive wanting to enjoy the area for months. Buggy rides to all the sights and burro trail to Pikes Peak were a few of the more interesting attractions. Hotels hired popular bands to play during meals and at dances.  All the guests of the town were invited. It was a dreamy time for those who came.

Today, Manitou Springs is a hub of tourist activity.  Many artists now live in the area, and family run motels offer a small town atmosphere.. Tourists rediscovered the charms of all the traditional attractions, plus a new emphasis on outdoor activities like the Intemann Trail.  In 1987, the renewal of the springs began.  Now, most of the traditional mineral springs are restored and accessible (http://manitousprings.org/ about/history.htm)

So the next time you are in Manitou shopping, take the time to stop and drink from the springs, and remember a little history.

Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO.  If you have any comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net

CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET

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