Glenwood Springs History

Originally inhabited by nomadic Ute Indian tribes, this area of bubbling hot springs has long been a destination for the health seeker.

In the early 1880’s, James Landis homesteaded the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Grand rivers that would become Glenwood Springs.

Early settlers Isaac Cooper and Walter Devereux saw the potential for Glenwood Springs to become a highly regarded destination and developed these amenities into a world class resort. The arrival of the railroads in 1887 brought the first trainloads of tourists to enjoy all that Glenwood has to offer. The addition of the Vapor Caves, Hotel Colorado and Fairy Caves provided a total package for the well-heeled traveler. The local economy was not only fueled by tourism, but also coal mining, farming and ranching, commerce and outdoor recreation. A visit to historic Glenwood Springs will take you back in time to enjoy all of the amenities that were formerly reserved for the well-to-do.

Hot Springs Pool and Bathhouse

With a diversion of the Grand (now Colorado) river in 1886, visionary Walter Devereux sought to develop the natural hot springs bubbling from the ground into a recreational attraction to accommodate the wealthy traveler. The Hot Springs pool officially opened July 4, 1888 and the addition of the beautiful sandstone bathhouse in 1890 completed the picture.

Hotel Colorado

Designed after the Villa de Medici in Italy, the Hotel Colorado was originally a summer destination for affluent tourists. Opened in 1893, the Colorado employed a highly trained staff in its luxurious surroundings to cater to visitors who expected only the best. Over the years, the hotel has played host to presidents, gangsters and movie stars.

Vapor Caves

The current Yampah Vapor Cave was actually the third geothermal cave to be opened to the public, but the only one on the north side of the river and specifically intended for use by the wealthy clientele of the Hot Springs Pool and Hotel Colorado. Workers began development of the cave itself in 1892, providing marble benches for seating in this “hygienic Hades.” After completion of the cave building, the facility opened in March of 1896.

Historic Fairy Caves and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

The Fairy Caves Co. was incorporated in 1895 by local attorney, Charles Darrow. By July of 1896, a road up Iron Mountain was constructed to access the caves which were previously reached by a foot trail up the mountain behind the Hotel Colorado. By the summer of 1897, electric wires had been strung up the mountain and throughout the caves, making the Fairy Caves one of the first five electrically lighted caves in the country. In 1900, a tunnel to Exclamation Point was blasted through, creating an incredible view of Glenwood Springs and the Canon of the Grand.

 Linwood Cemetery

Established in 1886, Linwood contains the graves of the pioneers of Glenwood Springs. Its most infamous resident is John Henry “Doc” Holliday, who died of here in November of 1887. Doc had arrived in May of that year, presumably looking to the hot springs as a cure for his tuberculosis. Harvey Logan, alias “Kid Curry” was also buried in Linwood after committing suicide following a train robbery in 1904 near Parachute. Logan had been, for a while, a member of Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid’s gang. Exploring this historic graveyard, with its beautiful and interesting headstones, is not to be missed.

Frontier Historical Museum

Home of Glenwood’s Frontier Historical Society, this 1905 house takes you back in time with artifacts and exhibits on everything from household life, mining, ranching and the Ute Indians to Doc Holliday, Teddy Roosevelt and Buffalo Bill Cody, all of whom spent time in Glenwood Springs. The archives are available for research and the photo collection contains over 5,000 historic images. Pick up a walking tour of downtown historic Glenwood Springs or arrange a guided tour of Linwood Cemetery. Shop the Museum Store for books on Glenwood history, Doc Holliday and much, much more.

Glenwood Railroad Museum

The railroad museum, located in the historic 1904 train depot, focuses on Glenwood’s railroad history. Model railroads and train artifacts tell the story of railroad transportation in Glenwood Springs and throughout Colorado.

Cardiff Coke Ovens

 An important part of the mining history of this area, the Cardiff coke ovens (circa 1888) were used to superheat locally-mined coal to remove any impurities. A company town grew up around the ovens, where upwards of 250 people resided. There was a company store, post office and school. Remnants of the coke ovens, on the National Register of Historic Places, can still be seen today. 

History-related events:  Annual Ghost Walk through Linwood Cemetery & Base Ball

Held every October, costumed actors portray the pioneers of Glenwood Springs who are buried in the cemetery. Tour guides lead you up the ½ mile trail to the graveyard at night by lantern light. With tickets going on sale October 1st, this fundraiser for the Frontier Historical Society is a sell out every year, so buy your tickets early.

See Base Ball played by the rules in place in the 1860’s. Men only, different rules and no gloves are the order of the day when the Glenwood Sluggers take on the Yampah Stars in the field between the high school and the Roaring Fork River. Brought to you by the Frontier Historical Society, this event is free and open to the public, so bring a blanket and a picnic dinner to enjoy as the sun sets behind the mountain.