Helen Hunt was born in Massachusetts, but moved to Colorado after the loss of her husband and two sons. She had become very ill (some reports I find say tuberculosis, while others don't mention the disease), and Colorado Springs was known for curative and restorative powers, the dry air and mineral springs being highly recommended for tuberculosis sufferers, as well as many other illnesses. She became passionate about helping Native Americans after a lecture given by Chief Standing Bear, of the Ponca tribe, and wrote about their plight in books such as Ramona, A Century of Dishonor and The Indian's Plight. She was good friends with Emily Dickinson, and some of her poems were featured in Ralph Waldo Emerson's Parnassus. She was a dedicated activist in favor or the Native people, and traveled to learn more about the government's mistreatment of them.
The falls did not take her name until long after her death from cancer, but she spent much of her last years in North Cheyenne Canon. The area was known as a place to view some of the bounty of natural beauty of Colorado, as well as a place to cool off and hide from the sun's penetrating rays. There are several falls in the vicinity, as well as more trees than can be found in much of the rest of the city.
As far as Helen Hunt Falls these days, it is a wonderful place for an easy hike and breathtaking scenery, so one should always bring their camera along when they strap on their hiking boots.
I hope you enjoyed this peek at Colorado history.
May you find your Muse.
6 comments:
Wow, it's amazing all things that can happen to a person in a single lifetime. Thanks for the info on this intriguing story:)
How picturesque. I love waterfalls. Tranquility at its finest.
Gorgeous picture, Shannon. As Michael pointed out, waterfalls are most definitely tranquility at its finest. Great story, too!! Very interesting.
Beautiful pic. And great story too - we would have missed out if it had been a fully Wordless Wednesday!
I absolutely love Colorado Springs. Never saw those falls, but I did enjoy the Garden of the Gods. And I don't know if I ever laughed so hard with some friends of mine as we drove to the top of Pike's Peak. I don't know if it was lack of oxygen or what but we sure had a good time. And we weren't laughing once we got to the top and saw the impressive view. Beautiful!
Lee
Tossing It Out
Mark, there was so much more not in there, too. She led an interesting life, to be sure. It's said she would have been more famous had she not used pen names for most of her work.
Michael, I agree. I haven't visited nearly enough waterfalls yet!
Alyssia, thanks! I could spend hours at the base of a waterfall.
Beth, I am glad you feel that way! Hey, I am a writer, so there must be words somewhere or something is broken.
Lee, I absolutely love Garden of the Gods! It's my go-to place for an easy hike with the kids or to clear my head. Believe it or not, I've lived here 20 years and just drove to the top of Pikes Peak for the first time last year. You can bet there will be photos of all of the above at some point on here.
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