Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway & Station 1893

Built in 1893, this engine is the second on the world famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway. It was named the "Major Hulbert." The railway is one of the most industrious undertakings in the railroad world, climbing over 8,000 feet in eight and three quarters miles. David Moffat, Major John Hulbert, Jerome B. Wheeler, R.R. Cable (President of Rock Island) and Z.G. Simmons (the mattress king) organized the railroad in 1888.

In 1891, the first train arrived at the summit. The slant of the engine was to level the engine as it climbed grades up to 25%. It grabbed onto cogs or teeth as it methodically chugged up to the top of the peak thousands of feet above timberline. These trains were replaced and there have been several other replacements since then, constantly upgrading the train's capacity. Yet even today, the train is a cog style, climbing to the top. It travels over bridges and culverts still standing structurally sound since the railway company built it.

Across the street is the only remaining vestige of a livery in Manitou Springs: The Hutchinson and Swain 1872. This building now houses the city's road equipment.

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.