Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs, resort and residential city (1990 pop. 25,001), Saratoga co., E N.Y.; inc. as a village 1826, as a city 1915. Skidmore College is the largest source of employment, but the city also has light manufacturing. The last battle of the Saratoga campaign was fought near the city in 1777. The nearby Saratoga National Historical Park embraces the battlefield. After the American Revolution, as the fame of its carbonated mineral waters spread, the village became a health resort. In the 19th cent., Saratoga Springs was one of the most popular social and sporting centers in America. Horse racing, which continues to be one of its major attractions, was begun after 1863.

Of interest are the racetrack, racing museum and hall of fame, and many old buildings and homes, including the Casino (1867), a former gambling establishment that now houses two museums; Yaddo, the renowned artists' colony, is also there. An elaborate state-owned spa (1935) preserves and utilizes the waters and offers curative baths. Saratoga Spa state park, summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and, formerly, the New York City Ballet, is south of the city; the dance hall of fame and museum are also there. The State Univ. of New York's Empire State College is in the city.

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Saratoga Springs 

a city in the USA, in New York State, located near the southern spurs of the Adirondack Mountains. Population, 18,800 (1970). Saratoga Springs is a balneological health resort. Winters are moderately cool (average December temperature ranges from -1° to -11°C) and summers are very warm (average July temperature 15°-29°C).

The most important mineral springs are Hathorn, Hayes Well, Karista, Old Red, Peerless, Geyser, and Vichy. Their alkaline waters contain carbon dioxide and dissolved mineral salts of sodium and chlorine. They are used for treating diseases of the cardiovascular system, digestive and metabolic disorders, and functional disorders of the nervous system. Saratoga Springs is one of the oldest health resorts in the United States. Since 1909 the springs have been under the control of New York State. The Simon Baruch Research Institute is located there.

A significant battle of the American War of Independence (1775–83) was fought in the vicinity of Saratoga Springs on Oct. 17, 1777. American troops (approximately 20,000) under the command of General H. Gates surrounded and forced the surrender of General J. Burgoyne’s British troops (approximately 5,800 men, 42 artillery pieces). The victory at Saratoga persuaded France, and then Spain and the Netherlands, to become allies of the United States against Great Britain.