In 1903, the inventor of the steam-powered car, Freelan Oscar Stanley, became afflicted with tuberculosis. The most recommended treatment was fresh, dry air and sunlight, so Stanley naturally headed to the Rocky Mountains with his wife Flora. As his health improved dramatically, he decided to turn Estes Park into a resort town for people looking to regain their health, and for the elite of the East Coast just looking for relaxation in the mountains. And just like that, The Stanley Hotel was born.