Saratoga

Wealthy town and county in upstate New York.

Situated on the western side of the Hudson River. Named for the Iroquoian word Serachtague, meaning "place of swift water."[1]

Originally settled by the Dutch in 1688 as a farming community. Fort Saratoga was built in 1709 to protect the settlers from raids of the French and Indian Wars. The area was fought over between the British and the French, finally falling under British rule. After the Battles of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War, the British surrendered to American forces on October 17, 1777 which encouraged the French to join the American cause and led to American independence.[2]

By the early 1800s, many were attracted to Saratoga believing the mineral springs and effervescent waters in the area had healing and restorative qualities.[3] In 1819, the town of Saratoga Springs was formed from the western portion of the town of Saratoga, drawing wealth and leisure to the area.[2]

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ABOVE: The Saratoga Regatta, the four-oared contest on the third day, 1879.[4]

Hostage: In April of 1879,[5] while building his ruse to convince Jody Collins that he and Brother Bart are professional criminals, Bret Maverick suggested that Collins team up with Bart and him and exploit the wealth of Saratoga.[6]

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