Page 104 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

102  NE W Y ORK CIT Y & THE MID-A TLANTIC REGION

6 Saratoga
Springs
* 26,600. £ @ n 297 Broadway,
(518) 587-3241. ∑ saratoga.org
This town has been known for
its horseracing, gambling, and
high society since it emerged
as a resort in the 19th century.
The therapeutic waters from
the town springs at Saratoga
Spa State Park sparked an
annual influx of wealthy tourists
seeking relief from various
New York State Capitol in Albany, a blend of architectural styles ailments. Other more enjoyable
distractions were offered by the
5 Albany The New York State Museum lavish casinos and horse racing
chronicles the state’s rich facilities. One of Saratoga’s original
* 101,000. ~ £ @ n 25
Quackenbush Square, (518) 434-0405. heritage, beginning with gambling establish ments, the
∑ albany.org its first Native American elegant Canfield Casino, is
occupants and incor porating now part of Congress Park.
Albany has been a central force the stories of New York’s The gabled grandstand of the
in New York State since 1614, many immigrants, Saratoga Race Track,
when the Dutch established a early settlers, and built during the Civil
fur-trading post, Fort Nassau business elite. War, is still in use,
(later known as Fort Orange), at A reconstructed attracting large
the northernmost navigable Iroquois longhouse crowds during the
point on the Hudson River. and a restored racing season in
When the British took over the 1940s subway car August. For a glimpse
settle ment in 1664, they changed from New York of the area’s more
its name to Albany. In 1797 City’s legendary Saratoga Race Track tempestuous Revo-
Albany was selected as the New A-train are lutionary War past,
York State capital, and the town’s highlights here. Saratoga National Historical
future was secured. The city Park, 15 miles (24 km) south-
expanded dramatically in P New York State Capitol east, was the site of the 1777
the 1830s with the completion Empire State Plaza. Tel (518) 474-2418. Battle of Saratoga. Here, American
of the Erie Canal, which linked Open tours Mon–Sat; call ahead for commander Horatio Gates led
the Hudson River to the Great times. Closed Jan 1, Easter, Thanksg, Colonial forces to a decisive
Lakes. When canal traffic declined Dec 25, public hols. 7 9 victory over 7,000 British regulars,
in the 1850s, Albany retained P New York State Museum Hessians, and Native Americans
its commercial dominance, Cultural Education Center, 260 commanded by General John
rapidly evolving into a New York Madison Ave. Tel (518) 474-5877. Burgoyne. The victory ensured
Central railroad terminus and Open 9:30am–5pm Tue–Sun. American control of the Hudson
manufacturing center. Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, Dec 25. River shipping corridor, and
While transportation and 7 - = ∑ nysm.nysed.gov prompted the French King
industry are still important Louis XVI to send troops
components of the local to the colonists’ aid later
economy, government is the that year.
main concern in today’s Albany.
The majestic New York State P Saratoga Spa
Capitol, built over 30 years and State Park
completed in 1898, occupies I-87, exit 13N. Tel (518) 584-
a central location near the 2535. Open 8am–sunset
city’s downtown. The massive daily. & 7 ∑ nysparks.
stone building is a curious com/parks/saratogaspa
amalgam of Italian and French P Saratoga National
Renaissance and Romanesque, Historical Park
replete with ornamented stair- Rte 4, 8 miles (13 km) S of
ways, soaring arches, and an Schuylerville. Tel (518) 664-
ornate Senate chamber 9821. Open 9am–5pm daily.
embellished with red granite, Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving,
yellow and pink marble, stained Dec 25. & 7 = ∑ nps.
glass, onyx, and mahogany. Sprawling Saratoga National Historical Park gov/sara
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp122–4 and pp125–7

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
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Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm