In 1871 Gen. Palmer selected a site for a home in a romantic canyon near the Gateway, in a tract called the "Little Garden of the Gods," christening it "Glen Eyrie," from the eagles' nests perched in the green and orange crags. The General began to beautify the place without altering its wild natural beauties, and the finest house which El Paso had seen was constructed there, at a cost of $30,000. It was the scene of the semi-official hospitality of the colony, and center of the social life. A picturesque canon, opening at the rear of the house, and ending in a natural basin called the " Devil's Punch Bowl," — was named "Queen's Canyon" in honor of Mrs. Palmer — the queen of the little colony. In 1882 Glen Eyrie was remodeled, and its grounds were further beautified at a cost of $30,000.