Saratoga Springs, New York

Saratoga Springs is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 28,491 at the 2020 census.[3] Saratoga is just south of the Adirondack Mountains and it goes along the Hudson River.[5] Saratoga Springs is most famous for the Saratoga Race Course which is the fourth oldest race horse in the U.S.[6]

Downtown Saratoga Springs.jpg
Flag of Saratoga Springs
Official seal of Saratoga Springs
 
 
Location of Saratoga Springs within Saratoga County, New York
Location of Saratoga Springs within Saratoga County, New York
Coordinates: 43°04′59″N 73°47′04″W / 43.08306°N 73.78444°W / 43.08306; -73.78444Coordinates: 43°04′59″N 73°47′04″W / 43.08306°N 73.78444°W / 43.08306; -73.78444
Country United States
State New York
CountySaratoga
Foundedc. 1776
Government
 • TypeMayor-Commission
Area
 • Total28.87 sq mi (74.78 km2)
 • Land28.07 sq mi (72.69 km2)
 • Water0.81 sq mi (2.09 km2)
Elevation305 ft (93 m)
Lowest elevation
0 ft (0 m)
Population
 • Total28,491
 • Density1,015.18/sq mi (391.97/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
12866
FIPS code36-65255
GNIS feature ID964489[4]
Websitehttps://www.saratoga-springs.org/

History

Shortly after 1691 British colonist settled the town of Schuylerville which at the time was called "Saratoga" before being renamed in 1831. In 1802 a hotel was established for travelers called the Gideon Putnam Hotel which led to a large population and economically boost for Saratoga and the surrounding areas.[7]Although not directly in Saratoga Springs, the Battle of Saratoga was fought just 10 miles south and was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. In 1863 the Saratoga Race Course opened up leading to a large increase in tourism because of the betting involved even to this day.

Geography

Saratoga Springs surrounds Saratoga Lake.[8] The lake is 4.5 miles long and is known for its fishing and rowing competitions. There are also many beaches located on the lake.

Parks and recreation

There are many parks in Saratoga like Saratoga Spa State Park and Congress Park. Saratoga is also famous for it's horse racing which is done at the race track. The track is open from July to September and is known for its more prominent races like the Travers Stakes.[9] Polo is also a common activity played in Saratoga. The sport is usually played during the summer at the Whitney Field. The Saratoga Skatepark is New York's first skatepark but the city filled area with dirt in order to prevent vandalism but did eventually remove it in 2011.[10]

Government

The local government of Saratoga Springs follows a City commission government but there has been many failed attempts to change this, most recently in the November 2020 election.[11]

Saratoga Springs, New York Media

References

  1. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  2. "USGS detail on Newtown". Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "QuickFacts: Saratoga Springs city, New York". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  4. "Saratoga Springs". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  5. "2019". United States Census Bureau. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  6. "Arts". Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. Archived from the original on 2020-02-19. Retrieved 2020-12-31.
  7. "Livingston". Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  8. "Topographical". Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  9. "track". Archived from the original on 24 July 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  10. "dirt". 21 October 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  11. "government". 14 November 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2020.