The move into the Second World War by the United States brought change for this country’s citizens. The most important was in the lives of the 16 million men and women who served during the war, and the over 400,000 who gave their lives. [Read more…] about Milkweed: A World War Two Strategic Material
Saratoga County History Center
The 77th Infantry: The Bemis Heights Regiment in the Civil War
On November 23, 1861, hundreds of men dressed in the blue uniforms of the United States Army mustered in Saratoga Springs. Hailing from villages and towns across Saratoga County as well as from Fulton and Essex counties, the soldiers of the newly formed 77th New York State Volunteer Infantry Regiment were heading off to war.
Nearly seven months earlier, on April 12, successionist forces had opened fire on the federal government’s Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor. [Read more…] about The 77th Infantry: The Bemis Heights Regiment in the Civil War
The Erie Canal in Clifton Park Program Set For October 23
The Saratoga County History Center is offering a program entitled “Low Bridge on the Erie Canal” on Monday, October 23 at 7 pm at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa.
Town of Clifton Park Historian, John Scherer, will highlight the history of the local section of the canal using historical photographs and objects from his Town Historian’s collection. [Read more…] about The Erie Canal in Clifton Park Program Set For October 23
‘Send Pies’: A Letter From School, 1854
As summer vacation comes to an end, students are once again preparing to return to school. What follows is a letter written in 1854 by a student at the Jonesville Academy. The Academy was a private school, built about 1839, complete with dormitories. It still stands today as a private home in the hamlet of Jonesville, in Clifton Park, Saratoga County, NY. [Read more…] about ‘Send Pies’: A Letter From School, 1854
The 115th New York: The Iron Hearted Regiment During The Civil War
During the Civil War, Colonel Simeon Sammons received authority to recruit a regiment in the counties of Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Saratoga, with headquarters at Fonda. On August 26, 1862, it mustered into the service of the United States for three years as the 115th New York Infantry Regiment, known as the “Iron-Hearted Regiment.” [Read more…] about The 115th New York: The Iron Hearted Regiment During The Civil War
Ballston Spa’s 19th Century Grand Balls in Competition
Many citizens of Ballston Spa in Saratoga County will be aware that in the nineteenth century the east end of Front Street boasted a sumptuous hotel called the Sans Souci. Some of these residents may have mused upon the great events, including grand balls, which might have enlivened this hotel back in the day, even ones graced by the presence of European royalty on occasion. [Read more…] about Ballston Spa’s 19th Century Grand Balls in Competition
Round Lake Village Historical Walking Tour
The Village of Round Lake in Saratoga County, NY began in 1867 as a summer camp meeting location for Methodists. At first, visitors lived in tents and visiting ministers rented space in the second story of the local train station. By 1868 more permanent structures were established, including cottages, a two-story trustees office and bookstore, and a market. [Read more…] about Round Lake Village Historical Walking Tour
Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network
As the 1890s took New York State toward a new century, the use of the bicycle for recreation by both the young and old was sweeping the country. One reason for this growth was the development of a safer, easier-to-ride machine with a smaller front wheel than the earlier high-wheeled bicycles.
Other advances in the development of the bicycle at this time were pneumatic tires and a chain drive that further eliminated the need for the large front tire. [Read more…] about Side Paths: New York State’s 1890s Bike Trail Network
Labor History: Saratoga, Belmont, Aqueduct & the 1961 Track Workers Strike
There were only 14 horses at Saratoga Race Course in late July of 1961. By that time, it was expected that at least 200 would have arrived for the racing season. Strikes led by Jimmy Hoffa and a branch of the Teamsters Union, Local 917, halted the transportation of horses from New York City to Saratoga Springs. [Read more…] about Labor History: Saratoga, Belmont, Aqueduct & the 1961 Track Workers Strike
A Burnt Hills Hillside Cemetery Walking Tour
Rick Reynolds, Ballston Town Historian, will host the Saratoga County History Center’s first walking tour of 2023 on Wednesday, July 19th at 10 am at Hillside Cemetery in Burnt Hills, NY. [Read more…] about A Burnt Hills Hillside Cemetery Walking Tour