Manitou Springs in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Architect of Miramont Castle

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

1. Architect of Miramont Castle Marker

Inscription. Jean Baptist Francolon, a French-born Catholic priest and architect, is renowned for designing Miramont Castle. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1878 and settled in Manitou Springs in 1892. Construction of the castle took place from 1895 to 1897, with Archie and Angus Gillis as the framing and woodwork contractors, and William Frizzell as the excavating and master stone mason contractor.

Miramont Castle exhibits an eclectic architectural style, incorporating Medieval, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Gothic, Elizabethan, Moorish, and Tudor influences. The result is a visually captivating structure adorned with intricate woodwork, pointed arches, ornate stained-glass windows, and decorative embellishments.

Father Francolon's architectural vision showcased his artistic sensibilities and passion for blending styles, augmenting his role as a Catholic priest. Today, Miramont Castle serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural diversity of the late 19th century.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 38° 51.553′ N,

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104° 55.352′ W. Marker is in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It is at the intersection of Capitol Hill Avenue and Montcalm Street on Capitol Hill Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 Capitol Hill Ave, Manitou Springs CO 80829, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Comanchería.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Miramont Castle (a few steps from this marker); Our Lady of Perpetual Help (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colliers (about 600 feet away); Visionary Philanthropist (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spa Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Town Built on Mineral Water Resources (approx. ¼ mile away);

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

2. Architect of Miramont Castle Marker

The marker is at the top of the steps at the portico.

A Benefactor's Legacy (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manitou Springs.

More about this marker. Montcalm Street and Capitol Hill Ave split left and right, respectively with a traffic circle immediately ahead that circles to the front portico. This marker is along the railing of the entrance starcase leading to the portico. NOTE: there are at least two other of the exact same markers along the front of the property.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024

3. Architect of Miramont Castle Marker

Another of the same marker next to the "Miramont Castle" marker in the front planter. Miramont Castle in the background

Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 9, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.