Manitou Springs in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Visionary Philanthropist
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
1. Visionary Philanthropist Marker
Winfield Scott Stratton was a one-time carpenter who struck gold near Victor, Colorado, on July 4, 1891. His claim, named the Independence Mine, made Stratton a very rich man, and he became a community-minded philanthropist. He never forgot his roots and supported endeavors that would 'benefit rich and poor alike.
One of Stratton's enterprises was the Colorado Springs Interurban Railway, a trolley to Manitou Springs that increased tourist visitation. This wonderful trolley system, with its elegant cars and amenities, pumped money and energy into the local tourist economy.
Stratton Spring was drilled in his honor in 1936, during the Great Depression.
(photo caption) At right, the original font and street view of the 1936 renovation. Photographs from Harrison Collection
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1891.
Location. 38° 51.541′ N, 104° 55.164′ W. Marker is in Manitou Springs,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range and in Pikes Peak Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comancherνa.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Spa Building (within shouting distance of this marker); A Town Built on Mineral Water Resources (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ute Pass Trail (about 300 feet away); Colliers (about 300 feet away); A Benefactor's Legacy (about 400 feet away); Sacred Waters (about 400 feet away); In Memory of Emma Crawford (about 500 feet away); Manitou Springs Post Office (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
2. Visionary Philanthropist Marker
Stratton Spring is on the far left of the photo
More about this marker. The marker is along the sidewalk but partially hidden by trees. It is on the southeast section of the traffic circle to the east of the spring fountain.
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
3. Stratton Spring and Gazebo
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
4. Stratton Spring
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 9, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
