Miramont Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Miramont
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Miramont, also known as Miramont Castle and Montcalm Castle
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | 9 Capitol Hill, Manitou Springs, Colorado |
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| Website | Miramont Castle |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000375 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1977 |
Miramont Castle is a super cool museum located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. It sits right at the base of the Pike's Peak Cog Railway and the famous Manitou Incline. This amazing castle was first built in 1895. It was a private home for Father Jean Baptist Francolon, a Catholic priest from France. Today, Miramont Castle is a historic house museum. It's part of the Manitou Springs Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
History of Miramont Castle
Who Built Miramont Castle?
Father Francolon was born in France in 1854. He came from a wealthy family. In 1878, when he was 24, he moved to the United States. He was asked to help as a priest in New Mexico.
For nine years, Father Francolon traveled around the southwestern United States. He helped many Native American tribes and small churches. In 1886, he went back to France because he wasn't feeling well. He returned to his duties in the U.S. a year later and continued until 1892.
Why Father Francolon Moved to Manitou Springs
To get better, Father Francolon moved to Manitou Springs, Colorado, in 1892. This area was famous for its healing mineral springs and fresh mountain air. His mother joined him in Manitou in July 1893.
The land where the castle stands has a long history. Records show it was first owned in 1862. At one point, the land belonged to Colonel John Chivington. He sold the land in 1867. After some legal issues, the land was owned by The Colorado Springs Company. Later, it was sold to the City of Manitou.
Building the Castle
Father Francolon had traveled a lot with his diplomat father. He collected many ideas for buildings from around the world. He spent hours telling his builders exactly what he wanted. Construction started in the fall of 1895. The local newspaper, the Manitou Springs Journal, reported on the progress.
The name "Miramont" means "look at the mountain" in French. This is a perfect name for a castle in a mountain town like Manitou Springs! The castle was built with modern features for its time, like indoor plumbing and electricity.
Life at the Castle and Their Departure
Father Francolon and his mother were quite private. Still, they tried to help the community. They hosted two fundraising parties at the castle in 1897. But then, in 1900, the Francolons left Manitou unexpectedly. They left their furniture behind in their beloved castle. Madam Francolon went back to France and passed away in 1907. Father Francolon spent his last years in New York City and passed away in 1922.
Miramont Castle as a Sanitarium
Miramont Castle was empty from 1900 until 1904. That's when the Sisters of Mercy bought it. They used it with their Montcalm Sanitarium. Father Francolon had already given them his first home in Manitou for their work. They mainly helped patients with tuberculosis, starting in 1895.
In 1907, the original Montcalm Sanitarium burned down. So, the Sisters moved their patients into Miramont Castle. They continued their work there for the next 20 years. During this time, Miramont became known as Montcalm Sanitarium.
By 1928, the sanitarium faced money problems. The Sisters then used the building as a place for people to stay, vacation, or go on retreats. Eventually, they left the castle. It stood empty again until private owners bought it in 1946.
Is Miramont Castle Haunted?
Many people believe the castle is haunted. Visitors and staff have reported seeing strange things and experiencing unexplained events. This has become a popular story about Miramont Castle.
Architecture of Miramont Castle
Unique Design Features
Father Francolon put all his favorite architectural ideas into one castle. Miramont Castle has nine different building styles mixed together! These include styles like Queen Anne, Romanesque, English Tudor, and even Moorish.
The castle is built on a mountainside. This means the front door is on the first floor, but the back door is on the fourth floor! The two floors in between also have exits to the ground outside.
Size and Shape of Rooms
The castle is very large, over 14,000 square feet. Most rooms have unique shapes. It's rare to find a room with four perfectly square corners in Miramont Castle.
Miramont Castle Today
Today, Miramont Castle is a historic house museum from the Victorian era. The Manitou Springs Historical Society owns and runs it. Visitors can explore 42 rooms that are decorated with furniture from the past.
The castle also has a tea room, a gift shop, and beautiful gardens. You can even reserve the castle to host special events like weddings.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo Miramont para niños
