From the convenience and comfort of our showers today to the health benefits of a scented bath—bathing has evolved over time. The pioneers of Colorado found inventive ways to pamper themselves, regardless of whether it was considered a luxury or not.
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One way they enjoyed themselves was through the therapeutic power of Colorado's hot springs. The early settlers were the first to discover Pagosa Springs, where they would come to relax in the healing waters. They even believed that the hot springs could be used to cure different health ailments!
As mentioned above, the pioneers believed that hot springs had special healing properties which could be used to cure or treat various diseases and illnesses. The Hot Springs in Arkansas is one example of such a place that was used for this purpose.
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Nowadays, we have creams, pills, and treatment plans for joint and muscle issues. But back in the 19th century, American and European medical professionals would send their patients to visit and soak in these hot springs for ailments such as back pain and joint inflammation. People would travel thousands of miles just to get a piece of the action from these “medicinal” waters.
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People living on the American frontier at the turn of the 19th century lacked many of the modern medicines that we consider commonplace today, such as antibiotics and painkillers. As a result, people who lived during this time period suffered from many illnesses that we can now treat with modern medicine.
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Back in those days, people would use specific cocktails and elixirs as medicine. For example, brandy was a favorite liquor used for medicinal or sedative purposes. Fun fact: they even gave their concoctions wacky names, such as Coffin Varnish or Tarantula Juice!
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When you think of the wild west, you might imagine gunfights between sheriffs and rustler outlaws. However, a significant feature of this era was the discovery of minerals and metals found in the beautiful western mountains—after all, American expansion into the west was driven by the search for gold.
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But gold wasn't the only precious metal discovered during this time. Many other valuable minerals and metals, including brass, bronze, coal, copper, iron, silver, and more, were also found in western states! These metals are even used today for medical equipment and hygiene products.
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There’s one thing many people turn to when they need a break from the everyday monotony of life, and that’s gambling. If you’re tired of reality and want to experience another world for a while, then you might want to hop on a plane to Las Vegas, Nevada.
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There you’ll find all kinds of casinos and all the thrill you need. But have you ever wondered why this city is famous for gambling? It’s a nationwide tradition! For decades, American pioneers would go to Las Vegas for their three Ws—whiskey, wagering, and—well, they had another word for it—but let’s just say “women” for politeness’ sake.
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While we know a lot about the physical health of the pioneers, we don’t know much about their emotional and mental health. Did the western American cowboy have any special rituals or ceremonies that might have given him an edge over their Native American counterparts when it came to healing from illnesses or connecting with otherworldly spirits?
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Actually, yes. The colorful characters who populated the Old West did believe in and practiced a wide variety of superstitious activities, including fortune-telling. Gypsies from Europe, who immigrated to the United States during the 1800s, continued practicing their mystical fortune-telling traditions.
People like to have fun in different ways. Some like to gamble or play sports, while others find pleasure in fashion or going to concerts. Many of us save up our money for things we really want, like tickets to see our favorite band play live.
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Back around the mid-1800s, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was one of the most exciting shows around! Every year, this west coast theatrical tour stopped by towns around the country. Its attractions included fun cowboy tricks, a rodeo show, and of course, frontiersman Buffalo Bill himself.
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Why was the West so wild? The uncharted territories, for the most part. It was the mystery of these great American landmarks that inspired some of history's greatest pioneers, such as the Wheeler Survey Group.
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When Captain George Montague Wheeler led a group of explorers from 1869 to 1879, they discovered the Wheeler Geologic Area of Colorado and the Wheeler Peak in Nevada. Their purpose was to create topographic maps, wildlife documentation, and other records that are still used today.
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The unique blend of Spanish, Latin American, and Native American culture and architecture found in New Mexico informs much of its culture and tourist industry today. The famous Old Mission Church, an architectural masterpiece that still stands today, is one of its most prized structures.
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The church is a historic attraction brimming with American history. It has stood for centuries— it survived the Pueblo Revolution and the transfer of ownership from Spain to Mexico and finally to the United States. Franciscan monks even occupied it for a time.
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Still standing in Colorado and New Mexico are landmarks that were discovered hundreds of years ago. They include the Wheeler Survey Group’s discoveries of the Rocky Mountain and Southwestern states and the Old Mission Church located in New Mexico. These landmarks, now fragile and decayed, have altered in appearance greatly since their initial discovery due to changing environmental conditions.
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The photo you see above is of a waterfront found along the Hoover Dam back in 1871. Though this area is actually part of the Black Canyon along the Colorado River now, it was an entirely different coastline at that time!
