Transportation Building Manitou Springs
General Palmer had plans for a train from Mexico to Colorado when he discovered Manitou Springs. Dr. Bell and him decided Manitou Springs would be a perfect location off of the train. The stop was built as a healing center, it was first built to bring in patients. This stop attracted many because of the unique curing properties of the water. If it was not for the train, the mineral waters would not have brought such a great profit for further development of the town. The town started gaining popularity and thus bringing in more tourists. The city was built for horses, so when the automobile became more popular tourist demanded some change. The city was made more car-friendly. Manitou Springs was also a stop off of the first intercontinental road system leading to many more automobiles stopping. Making Manitou Springs a stop off a highway helped the town to grow when the health seekers slowly stopped. More tourists were coming up until 1960 when US 24 bypassed Manitou. This bypass decreased the tourists up until 1980. Manitou Springs is an easy stop if passing though Colorado Springs today. The town is car friendly and convenient for tourist. Also, I love Manitou Springs because everything is walking distance for the local residents.