The Stanley Hotel was born with its founder Freelan Oscar Stanley near-death. In 1903, the 54-year-old inventor of dry plate photography and The Stanley steam engine was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Because it was believed that fresh air would slow the disease – or, more realistically, provide a pleasant backdrop to his last few days – Freelan (affectionately known as FO) and his wife Flora were sent to: first to Denver, and then, on the suggestion of his doctor, to the wild outpost of Estes Park.