Redstone Castle (Manitou Springs, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Redstone Castle
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 Location in Colorado
|
|
| Location | Manitou Springs, Colorado |
|---|---|
| Part of | Manitou Springs Historic District (ID83003516) |
Redstone Castle, also known as Crawford House, is a special old building in Manitou Springs, Colorado. It is part of the important Manitou Springs Historic District.
Contents
What is Redstone Castle?
This amazing castle is found on 75 acres of land. It is near Pawnee Avenue and Iron Mountain Road. The house is built in the Queen Anne style. It is made from beautiful red sandstone. Redstone Castle used to be a bed and breakfast. Now, it is owned by a private family.
Who Owned the Land First?
Dr. Isaac Davis was an English doctor. He moved to Manitou Springs in 1874. He was one of the people who helped start the city. Dr. Davis and his family lived on the land where Redstone Castle now stands. He had 15 children! He also owned a shoe store and a pharmacy in town.
As Dr. Davis got older, his health became poor. In 1880 or 1881, he sold his land. He sold it to two brothers also named Davis, but they were not related to him. The sale had a strange rule. It said that graves of "early travelers and soldiers" had to be moved. These graves were to go to the new Crystal Valley Cemetery.
The Davis Brothers and a Haunted Story
The Davis brothers built Redstone Castle in 1890. They wanted it to be a model home. They planned a fancy neighborhood called Manitou Terrace Estates. This neighborhood was on Iron Mountain.
They put out ads to attract rich people. They even set up colorful signs. These signs showed off places like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. But no one bought any land! People said it was because the land was haunted. Some believed this was because not all the graves had been moved from the hillside.
The Hawkins Family's Spooky Experience
The castle was empty for many years. Then, a man named Balem Hawkins was hired. He became the caretaker of the estate. He moved into the castle with his family.
Soon, the family started hearing voices. They also saw strange ghostly figures. Their dog became very nervous and scared. One day, a wild dog attacked Mr. Hawkins' wife. He had to shoot the dog.
But the legend says the dog reappeared! The family heard a dog howling and scratching at the doors all night. The very next morning, the Hawkins family moved out of the castle.
