Economy building of Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs was originally built as a town for the purpose of profit. Dr. William Bell and General Palmer noticed the healthy mineral water could produce profit and attracted tubercular patients. When Manitou Spring's health seekers started to dwindle, tourist started to replace them. After the war in the 1950s Manitou Spring's economy flourished. In 1960s the US 24 passed over Manitou Springs limiting the automobile tourists. When the tourists died down, so did the economy. The small stores and buisnesses were struggling or closing. In the 1980s Manitou Spring's economy started to grow again. The National Historic District restored many local buisnesses and houses. This encouraged the community to grow again and tourists were attracted to the original attractions such as the Penny Arcade. The National Historic Distric also cleaned up the water, now it is safe to drink again. Manitou Springs still flourishes in the summer with tourists keeping the shops alive.