This month we are visiting Saratoga County, New York – home of the Saratoga Springs! Saratoga Springs has been a popular resort for health for over 200 years.
The land was originally home to the Mohawk and Iroquois tribes, who used its forests for hunting and the mineral springs for health. Sir William Johnson of the French and Indian War spent his time healing at the springs after befriending the Native Americans of the area.
A European settlement was started in 1819, and quickly gained tourism success in 1832, when the Saratoga and Scenectady Railroad Station was built. By 1870, there was an express train from New York City to the resort town, furthering the springs’ expansion.
During the 19th century, Saratoga developed a spa, and generated many large hotels to accommodate its guests. The Grand Union Hotel was the largest in the world at the time, accommodating 2,000 people. The resort was a favorite of the wealthy and elite, with elaborate dinners followed by dancing and parties. The Grand Union, along with many other of the larger hotels, was demolished in the 1950s.
Another draw to the springs was the Saratoga Spring Water Co., now a division of Anheuser-Busch InBev. The water company has been operating since 1872 on the shores of Geyser Lake. The water has been a favorite for presidential inaugurations, including Barack Obama’s in 2013.
The spa was named a state park in 1962 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Although considered a summer town, it is never too early to think of next year’s vacation as the days get colder!
