The famous waters and mountain air were the primary attractions at Purgatory Springs. During the 1920s, the resort catered to the rich and infamous—posh shops near the spa, and a trip up the steep funicular to the Lighthouse Supper Club, lead to the mob-owned speakeasy. Celebrities were a common sight.
Such elegance at the Rio Grande Lobby at the Purgatory Hot Springs Hotel, circa 1929.
Mob boss Al “Scarface” Capone trained with the fitness staff during his stay at the Purgatory Hot Springs Hotel in the 1920s.
Silver screen star Clara Bow and her rich & famous entourage enjoyed the Purgatory Springs Arcades. Circa 1927.
Buffalo Bill Cody was just one of many celebrities that frequented the Purgatory Springs resort in the early 1900s.
Local hero, World Champion boxer Jack Dempsey was a frequent visitor.
After spending a week at the famed Purgatory Springs Resort, opera singer Enrico Caruso head up to Denver to watch America's pastime at Merchants Park in Denver, Colorado.
The most famous of the famous guests at Purgatory Springs in the 1920s was Babe Ruth.
Mexican actress Dolores Del Rio had a soft spot for Purgatory Springs.
Young John Wayne worked at the resort before launching his acting career.
Sharpshooter Little Missy Brown taking aim circa 1927 at the Purgatory Springs Arcades.