Bathing, the principle occupation in Pagosa

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Photo courtesy John M. Motter For years, the best way to reach Pagosa Springs was by train to Amargo and then by stagecoach. The stagecoach is shown here stopped at Halfway House in Halfway Canyon, halfway between Amargo and Pagosa Springs. Photo courtesy John M. Motter
For years, the best way to reach Pagosa Springs was by train to Amargo and then by stagecoach. The stagecoach is shown here stopped at Halfway House in Halfway Canyon, halfway between Amargo and Pagosa Springs.

A visitor to Pagosa Springs in 1879 who thought there might be more bath houses than people left this witticism for posterity: “In our search for knowledge, and while rambling around the great springs, we accosted one whom we supposed to be a citizen, but who proved to be a stranger. We approached and politely requested to know what was the principle occupation of the people of Pagosa. Quick as thought, while casting an eye at the scores of bath houses, came the reply, ‘Bathing! by — sir!’”

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