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Manitou Springs founder Dr. William Bell ran Red Crags as a tuberculosis hospital. The Red Crags parcel is listed on the Manitou abstract as early as March 15, 1870. Built by Dr. William Bell, the Red Crags was first purchased by Countess De Noailles, who was from a prominent French family.


Red Crags

Sky, Building, Plant, Nature

Red Crags

Red Crags

The street on the east boundary carried Countess De Noaillesher's name until the land around it was subdivided. Dr. Bell bought the property back August 11, 1880. It is believed the building was built five years later, four years before a permit to lay water lines was obtained in 1889. Dr. Bell in association with Dr. Donaldson intended to use the building as a hospital, according to early accounts, but there is not much evidence that it was successful. Dr. Donaldson was a member of the famous Rough Riders. Then Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt visited him here in August of 1901. November 29, 1912 the property was sold to W.D. Swain. Mr. Swain died in 1924 and 1925 to Berger Sanzen an artist associated with Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. His classes in the art school in Colorado Springs evolved over the years into the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center.

Historic Manitou Springs, Inc., is an educational non-profit based in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pikes Peak which operates the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and was formed in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Our mission is to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the history and culture of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

The intent of the organization is to educate citizens and visitors in order to increase appreciation and understanding of this unique community. Before opening the Center Historic Manitou was operated by a board of three persons–Jean Garrity, Deborah Harrison, and Michelle Anthony. During the initial 10 years, we developed a track record of participating in and supporting community projects and events, such as restoration of the Eastern Gateway Arch, rehabilitation of Mansions Park, installation of over 30 Historic Interpretive Plaques throughout town, and placement of the memorial in Crystal Valley Cemetery for Emma Crawford. We have presented the “Ghost Stories of Old Manitou” haunted walking tours as part of the Annual Emma Crawford Festival (i.e., the events surrounding the Coffin Races) since its inception.

Pearring, John. Pearring, Joanne. The Walking Tour - A Guide To Historic Manitou Springs. Volume Revised Printing. Manitou Springs, CO. TextPros, 1998.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

https://red-crags-estates-hotel-manitou-springs.booked.net/

Joan Stang photo Dec 2021