Saratoga Race Course :: essays research papers fc

Saratoga Race course     On July 27, 1783, George Washington and his men stood over a bubbling ambush, that hole was releasing water that to them was salty and smelled as if it had a high sulfur content. This water would be known as Saratoga mineral water. Saratoga residents adust spring water cultivated cabbage for Washington and his men, with out adding any salt or yeast and yet within a matter of minutes the bread rose. George Washington was considered to be Saratogas first visitor or tourist on that day. almost fifty years before Washington came to this water hole the Mohawk Indians used the local waters as a cleanser, for medicinal purposes and for drinking (Hotaling 1). George never did buy the land of Saratoga Springs that he had valued so bad. George was having trouble with real estate deals he was actually going to buy Saratoga Springs. George had said that Saratoga was the turning point of the revolution. George also impudently that Saratoga had great mineral water that could lead to industry. George enjoyed Saratogas environment, people gambling and playing billiard, while women road through on horses (Hotaling, 2-3).     Almost one hundred years later the birth of Saratoga racing had begun. In 1863, during the middle of the civil war, the Saratoga association was formed. The Saratoga association was a continuation of Saratoga attractions such as boxing, gambling, and what brought people to famous Saratoga in the first place, its water. In 1863, a racing meet for thoroughbreds marked the reservoir of "the oldest rush along track in America."(Longrigg, 222-223) The race course bears the additional distinction of being the oldest sports facility in the country. With the exception of 1911 and 1912, when the track closed in answer to gambling reforms, and 1943-45, when meets were cancelled due to World War II, the track has continued to operate and grow in popularity. Attendance at the famous Tra vers Day race has been known to double the citys population.     Health and Horses are the foundation of Saratogas History. Without the springs, settlers might easily have passed the region. Mineral water, for drinking and bathing, a European tradition for the health conscious, was the potency for the development of the city. The arrival of the railroad in 1831 was a huge boost in tourism.     The summer season at Saratoga offered diversions as well scorching air balloon ascensions, hops, balls, Indian encampments, and afternoon carriage rides down Broadway where people and horses were decorated in the latest finery.