A Brief History of Saratoga County

Saratoga County’s roots run deep. Traditionally, the land of the Mohican and Abenaki people, the Mohawk expanded their territory eastward to this area in the 17th century. Once part of Albany County, the region made its mark during the Revolutionary War as the site of the pivotal Battles of Saratoga—a turning point in the fight for American independence. In 1791, it officially became its own county, laying the groundwork for the Saratoga we know today!

The Queen of the Spas

Due to its incredible natural resources including major rivers, rich farmland and abundant timber, Saratoga County became a major center of industry in the 19th century, with paper mills, textile mills, and tanneries capitalizing on its impressive waterpower. The completion of both the Champlain Canal and Erie Canal in the 1820s provided an efficient way to move goods and people to major ports. Speaking of water, Saratoga County also developed a reputation as a health resort in the 1800s due to its crisp, sparkling mineral water, naturally produced by the area's springs.

Fun Fact: During the Paleozoic Era (541 million years ago!), a series of cracks split the underlying bedrock below Saratoga County, creating fissures through which water forced its way to the surface. These springs are the only naturally carbonated mineral springs east of the Rocky Mountains.

The area known as Serachtague– “place of swift water– was sacred to the Mohawks and other Native Americans. They believed that the naturally carbonated water had been stirred by the god Manitou, endowing it with healing properties. Today, the cold, bubbly water of the springs is used by residents and visitors for refreshing soaks, spiritual practices, and restorative therapy.

Gideon Putnam and Saratoga Hospitality

Gideon Putnam was the first to envision Saratoga Springs as more than wilderness—he saw its potential as a resort destination. In 1802, he built a three-story tavern across from Congress Spring, which would eventually evolve into the Grand Union Hotel, one of the most iconic lodgings of its time!

Tourism in Saratoga County remains strong, and the hotel scene offers a variety of options to suit all budgets. From luxury lodgings like the Gideon Putnam and Hotel Brookmere to popular chains like Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs and Embassy Suites, you’re sure to find a cozy stay in Saratoga to meet your needs.

Horse Racing in Saratoga

Arguably, Saratoga’s greatest claim to fame is Saratoga Race Course, which has been hosting thrilling events since the 1860s. Today, Saratoga Race Course holds the distinction of being the oldest sports facility in the United States. In fact, attendance at the famous Travers Day Stakes has been known to double the city’s population!

The Revival of Saratoga

The end of the 19th century saw challenges for Saratoga related to the depletion of the mineral springs by carbonic gas companies. An act of the Legislature authorized the creation of the State Reservation at Saratoga Springs in 1911, ending the threat of the springs’ extinction and leading to the construction of the Lincoln and Roosevelt bathhouses, in what we now call the Saratoga Spa State Park.

Tourism in Saratoga took a hit during the Great Depression and World War II, so much so that the Saratoga Race Course shut down for two years! The early 1950s brought Senate investigations into gambling, which further slowed the local tourism economy. However, by the 1960s, things began to turn around: the construction of the New York State Thruway (I-90) and the Northway (I-87) made traveling to Saratoga by car easier than ever, helping to revive interest in the region.

A new master plan changed the face and future of Saratoga County. The opening of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in 1966—now the summer home of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra—marked a major cultural milestone, while new industries throughout the latter half of the 20th century helped diversify our local economy.

Today, Saratoga County is a thriving destination offering world-class entertainment, small-town charm, and a wealth of year-round activities to explore.