19th century Elegance in Saratoga

A look at what many considered to be America's premier resort in the mid-19th century. In common with early European tourism, the reason behind Saratoga's rise as a tourist destination was the discovery of local spring water that were believed to have curative powers. The waters were discovered during the Revolutionary War of the late 18th century and it is said by some sources that George Washington himself became interested in buying land around Saratoga as he recognised the area's future potential.

Saratoga's first hotel was established about 1802 by Gideon Putnam, a Revolutionary War hero. The local water was soon considered especially favourable to those suffering from jaundice, dyspepsia and constipation. However, more pleasurable pastimes quickly became as prominent as the those concerned with health, With the coming of the railway, it was 6 hour journey from New York through the pleasant scenery of the Hudson Valley and it soon became a social mecca for the elite and well-to-do of 19th century US society. It was also very popular with rich plantation owners from the South who came north in the summer months to escape the humidity in the plantation areas. 

Though this trade was interrupted by the Civil War (1861-5) traffic soon returned and Saratoga's grand era came in the late 19th century as elegant hotels, casinos. Indeed, it was during the Civil War that Saratoga gained its racecourse and the Grand Union Hotel of 1802, by now owned by a wealthy, Lisburn (Northern Ireland) born, New York City draper (Alexander Turney Stewart 1803-1876), was extended to a massive 824 rooms (shown left) and for a time was the largest hotel in the world with over seven acres of grounds. Further luxury hotels, Congress Hall opened 1868 and Grand Central opened 1871, added to the success of Saratoga.

In 1872 R.F.Dearborn published his guide Saratoga Illustrated and how to see it (price 25 cents). This further enhanced Saratoga's claims as a premier health resort. It gave intricate breakdown on the mineral content of the various local springs with full descriptions of their facilities. Dearborn also advised on "the routine for a lady" in Saratoga and how she should dress for tea, chat in the parlours and attend the balls in the major hotels. Saratoga became known as "the Queen of the Spas".

In the early 20th century reformers on gambling won the closure of casinos for some years. The splendid hotels were demolished in 1940/50s. However, Saratoga Springs remains a major convention and summer tourist destination with emphasis on the arts and the late summer race meetings take place on the oldest such course in the USA.