Manitou Springs in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Barker House
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
1. Barker House Marker
Originally built in 1872 by artist Theodore Pine, Charles W. Barker purchased Pine Cottage in 1880. In 1882, he changed the name and began yearly additions By 1890, it was a typical resort hotel with 110 rooms, Wilton carpets, Manitou's first hydraulic elevator, and one bathroom per floor! Barker created a homey atmosphere for guests, including "the Jersey Lily", renowned English beauty and actress Lily Langtree
Before moving here in 1877, Barker was a schoolteacher and Pullman Palace Car conductor. Once settled, he served as Colorado State Representative (1880-1888), Manitou Springs Mayor, and was active 1n the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for Union Civil War veterans.
In 1897, Barker lost ownership from remodeling debts but remained as hotel manager until his 1905 death. New owner, Mr. Pollen, changed the name to The Navajo Hotel. Eventually it became apartments. In 1984, the building was rehabilitated for senior citizens and renamed The Barker House.
The Queen Anne-style structure is four stories tall and is built in "U" shape. Notable features include two, four-story towers and twenty-three
this page online
The Barker House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Erected 2004 by Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission, Colorado Historical Society's State Historic Fund.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 38° 51.473′ N, 104° 55.039′ W. Marker is in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It is at the intersection of Manitou Avenue (Business U.S. 24) and Navajo Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Manitou Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 819 Manitou 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 Comancherνa.
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
2. Wide view of Barker House Marker along Manitou Ave.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bank of Manitou (within shouting distance of this marker); Healing Waters (within shouting distance of this marker); Manitou Mineral Water Company Bottling Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Emma Crawford (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheeler Town Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacred Waters (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ogilbee House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manitou Springs.
More about this marker. The marker is along the porch railing facing Manitou Avenue.
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
3. The Barker House
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 682 times since then and 184 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
