Barker House 1872

Built in the 1870s, the Barker House incorporates features found in resort hotels of the late 19th century. The wood frame building rests on a stone foundation. The property is associated with Charles W. Barker, an important Manitou politician who purchased the building in 1880 and built it into a large resort hotel. Today, this 1872 National Landmark offers affordable studios and 1-bedroom apartments.

Originally built in 1872 by artist Theodore Pine, Charles W. Barker purchased Pine Cottage in 1880. In 1882, he changed the name and began yearly additions. By 1890, it was a typical resort hotel with 110 rooms, Wilton carpets, Manitou's first hydraulic elevator, and one bathroom per floor. Barker created a homey atmosphere for guests, including "the Jersey Lily," renowned English beauty and actress Lily Langtree.

Before moving here in 1877, Barker was a schoolteacher and Pullman Palace Car conductor. Once settled, he served as Colorado State Representative (1880 - 1888), Manitou Springs Mayor, and was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for Union Civil War veterans.

In 1897, Barker lost ownership from remodeling debts but remained as hotel manager until his 1905 death. New owner, Mr. Pollen, changed the name to the Navajo Hotel. Eventually it became apartments. In 1984, the building was rehabilitated for senior citizens and renamed The Barker House.

The Queen Anne-style structure is four stories tall and is build in a "u" shape. Notable features include two, four-story towers and twenty-three bay windows. The original Pine Cottage façade is visible around the center bay window.

The Barker House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

Historic Preservation Commission Plaque accessed Jan 16, 2022. This plaque installed in 2004 by the Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission with the assistance of the Colorado Historical Society's State Historical Fund.

National Register Oct 11, 1979. Site Number 5EP.197, History Colorado. Accessed January 14th 2022. https://www.historycolorado.org/location/barker-house-navajo-apartment.