Manby Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manby Hot Springs |
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| Stagecoach Hot Springs | |
Manby hot spring bathhouse ruins Manby Hot Springs, Rio Grande Gorge
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| Location | near Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 36°30′48″N 105°43′32″W / 36.51333°N 105.72556°W |
| Elevation | 6,500 feet |
| Type | geothermal |
| Temperature | 100°F/37°C |
Manby Hot Springs, also known as Stagecoach Hot Springs, are natural warm pools of water found near Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico. These three pools have sandy bottoms and are close to the remains of an old bathhouse and a place where stagecoaches used to stop a long time ago.
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What Makes the Water Warm?
The water at Manby Hot Springs comes out of the ground at about 100°F (37°C). This is a nice warm temperature, like a comfortable bath! The water is also full of natural minerals from the earth.
A Look Back in Time
People have been using these hot springs for a very long time. The Puebloan cultures, who lived here hundreds of years ago, knew about and used these special waters. They called the place Wa-pu-mee, which means "water of long life".
In the 1880s, a train line called the Chili Line started stopping near the springs. This made the hot springs a popular spot for visitors. People could reach them by stagecoach, which was like a horse-drawn bus. Soon after, two local business owners built a bridge to the springs. They charged people a small fee to cross it and enjoy the warm water.
Arthur Manby's Vision
In 1890, a traveler from Britain named Arthur Rochford Manby became involved with the land where the springs are located. He gained control of a very large piece of land, over 60,000 acres. Manby often had disagreements with the local people.
By the early 1900s, he moved to live near the springs. In 1922, Manby had a big idea: he wanted to build a fancy resort called Lost Springs of the Aztec. His plan was to have a luxury hotel with the hot springs as the main attraction. However, the only part of his dream that was built was a stone bathhouse. He passed away in 1929, and his grand resort was never finished.
Where Are the Springs?
The Manby Hot Springs are located within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. This is a protected area of land. The springs are on the east side of the Rio Grande river gorge. You can find them at these coordinates: 36°30’48”N 105°43’32”W.
