User:Byearlymonk

'''((UNDER CONSTRUCTION)) THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. IT IS BEING USED AS A CONSTRUCTION SITE FOR THE MIRAMONT CASTLE MUSEUM. ''' Miramont Castle, started in 1895 and nearly doubled by the addition of the east section in 1897, was built with personal funds by Father Jean Baptiste Francolon as a home for himself and his mother. Father came originally from France to New Mexico as assistant to Archbishop Lamy, but due to ill health moved to Manitou in 1892. His first home, just northwest of Miramont, was later given to the SIsters of Mercy to be used as a sanitarium, and was called "Montcalme."

By 1900 the Fancolons had abandoned Miramont and returned to France; the Sisters of Mercy purchased the building in 1904. Three years later when Montcalme was destroyed by fire, the Sisters moved into Miramont, changing its name to "The Montcalme," running the sanitarium here until the 1920's, after which it became a boarding house for the wealthy. Later it was used for retreats and as a vacation home for the Sisters.