This region was originally the domain of the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples, who were attracted by abundant water, including mineral and hot springs, a temperate climate, and plentiful wildlife. In March 1890, the Rocky Mountain News called the city “The Eden of America,” a reputation tied in large part to fruit orchards spreading throughout the region. Cañon City also became a respiratory health center, drawing many people seeking relief from consumption and dust pneumonia, and at one time the city had five hospitals. In the early 1890s, hundreds of local residents spent time in the hot waters of the Royal Gorge Hot Springs Hotel, which was not a financial success until the mining boom days of Leadville, Cripple Creek, and Rosita. Helen Hunt Jackson wrote that Cañon City would likely become known as a resort for invalids because its winter climate was pleasant, milder, and warmer than that of Colorado Springs, and therefore better for many consumptives. Between 1911 and 1914, more than 40 Western silent movies were filmed in the area, many starring Tom Mix. In the late 1950s and 1960s, Hollywood returned to film Westerns starring John Wayne, Goldie Hawn, James Arness, and other stars.