Customer Reviews

The Making of American Resorts: Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and Lake George

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Originally I bought this book because I was interested in doing some research for a personal project. I ended up reading the entire book cover to cover, and wishing there had been more. Theodore Corbett does a great job of looking at the resort region as a whole - Ballston Spa, Caldwell (Lake George), and the grand dam - Saratoga Springs. I was a bit disappointed that the information on Ballston Spa and Caldwell was so lean, but then - both communities didn't survive as resorts for very long. Saratoga Springs thrives into the 21st century due to a large number of factors including planning, marketing, geography, and the flexibility to adapt to a changing clientele.

This book focuses on all of the things that went right or Saratoga Springs, and all the things that went wrong for other resort communities across the region. Because Saratoga wasn't limited by one single landowner, like the other two, it benefitted from the diverse experiences of those that recognized the potential of summer getaways with an English spa theme. Saratoga was also blessed with better geography; Ballston Spa is more like a box canyon in some ways. The landowners in Saratoga made certain there were open spaces, like parks and promenades, and that community planning incorporated alleys, all necessary features for enjoyment and infrastructure. The author also delves into the roles that religion, class, society, and gender played in Saratoga's success.

The pictures of the architectural gems to be found in the region are excellent; there were some I had never seen before. The author could have easily added more pictures; such is the depth of the historical structures in all three towns. The book basically covers the 19th century - with a little 18th century groundwork centering on the capital district and important regional families.

I would make this a must for anyone interested in the history of Saratoga Springs, especially for those who may want to do walking tours during the peak summer season.