Politics of early Manitou Springs
These sacred mineral springs were gaining popularity throughout the white settlers. The Native Americans were not happy with this and some conflict arose. The Cheyennes and Arapahos were pushed to a reservation in 1868. That same year, General William Palmer and Dr. William Bell explored this area. General Palmer had plans of building a train from Mexico to Colorado, and they both spotted this land as a gold strike. The mineral water was seen as potential profit. Manitou Springs was put on the railroad system as a health resort. They built it up like a European spa town with hotels and parks. Manitou Springs then was attracting many tubercular patients seeking health. Manitou Springs offered fresh air and this medicinal water. Manitou Springs blew up with health seekers, later turning into just tourists.