Saratoga Illustrated: The Visitor’s Guide to Saratoga Springs

A guidebook to one of the most popular resorts in late 19th century America.

The mineral waters of Saratoga Springs attracted Native Americans to the region in eastern New York long before Europeans ever step foot in the New World. By the mid-19th century, it was a popular destination for many urban dwellers fleeing the oppressive summer heat in New York, and by the time this guidebook was published, the lakeside resort was one of the most popular destinations in New England.

Issued in 1880 by publishers Taintor Brothers and Merrill & Co., the book contains everything a wealthy Victorian-era tourist would need to know about the area. Transportation routes, site descriptions, local accommodations, spurious scientific claims about the water, and much more is covered in great detail.

The publication also includes two folding maps. The first shows a simple street plan of Saratoga Springs and Excelsior Park, with the famous racecourse, numerous springs, and other locations of interest individually labeled. The second map includes the shores of Lake Saratoga, with the College Regatta Course boldly shown across the center. Numerous views and contemporary advertisements provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of East Coast tourists in the late 19th century.