History of Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is built around the natural springs that occur at the base of Pike's Peak. The springs is a system of aquifers deep underground. This water erodes the surrounding limestone and absorbs many healthy minerals. The water is pushed up to the cracks through carbonation. Native Americans found these springs and considered Manitou Springs a sacred place. The water that came up through the cracks helped sour stomachs and dry skin. This sacred space was considered neutral ground, where any tribe could go to heal themselves. Dr. Edward James was the first American to claim the area in 1820. He was a botanist and studied the health benefits of the water. After Dr. Jones wrote about the water, Americans started to come to have the water cure them.