The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Emma Crawford lived in Manitou Springs at the turn of the century, arriving with the hopes that the famous drinking Mineral Springs would help with a cure for her tuberculosis. Sadly, in the summer of 1890 Emma died quite young, just before she was to marry Mr. Hildebrand, an engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Her wishes were to be laid to rest on top of Red Mountain. Her heartbroken fiancee and eleven other men began the arduous task her carrying Emma's coffin up to the top of Red Mountain. It took them all day, working two shifts to scale the 7200 foot Summit.

After years of stormy weather on the granite mountain the granite gave way and Emma's remains were washed down the side of Red Mountain.
Since 1994, they have had the coffin races in memory of Emma and this event.


The town of Manitou Springs now holds an annual event and festival in memory of Emma Crawford.

Read more about this event on their website.