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Visitor Center History |
| Built in
1915 in the classical Beaux Art style, the building has had three
separate identities: Trolley Station, Drink Hall, and Visitor
Center. |
| As
a Trolley Station for the Husdon Valley Railroad, the building
was considered the most elegant structure of its kind in the
northeast. The classical style of the building incorporates arches,
columns, a barrel vaulted ceiling, and "lunette" windows.
Exterior relief murals depict the legend of Sir William Johnson
being carried to the High Rock Springs by the Mohawks, and the
surrender of General Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga. Much
of the origianl chestnut paneling, woodwork, and benches have
been preserved. |
| In
1940, following the demise of the trolley service, the building
was converted by workers from the WPA for use as the Drink Hall.
Operated by the NYS Reservation, it was a popular gathering place.
Crowds came to sip mineral waters by the bottle. The Drink Hall
closed in 1965. |
| In
1974 the building was added to the National Register of Historic
Places. In 1992 the building was tansformed again, this time
to serve as one of 17 NYS Heritage Area Visitor Centers. Situatd
in the heart of Saratoga Springs, this elegant building, set
on an expansive lawn, offers both residents and visitors the
opportunity to Discover Saratoga. Stocked with maps, brochures,
and event calendars, the Visitor Center is an important part
of any visit to Saratoga Springs. For more information about
what the Visitor Center has to offer, click here. |
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|
The Saratoga Springs
Visitor Center today. |
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| The
Trolley Station |
| From
the George S. Bolster Collection |
| This
historic photograph is used through the courtesy of the George
S. Bolster Collection of the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs.
Call (518) 584-6920 for information about purchasing photographs
from the Bolster Collection. |
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History of the Visitor
Center Building
