This Week in History
A photo of the train derailed during a railroad Strike in Ballston Lake (Courtesy of North East Rails)
Walking the streets of Saratoga Springs, it’s almost impossible not to notice the history all around you.
From having one of the oldest sporting venues in the country to being next store to one of the most important battles in American history, the spa city is no stranger to influence and importance.
It’s this history that inspired Saratoga TODAY to look back at some of the events and notable happenings that took place this week in history.
Grant visits Saratoga Springs
July 27, 1865, saw famed general and future president Ulysses S. Grant and his family visit Saratoga Springs briefly before traveling to Nova Scotia via Boston. According to media reports at the time, Grant — who was only three months removed from winning the Civil War — was met with cheering but mostly well-behaved crowds. While in the city, Grant attended parties at Congress Hall, Union Hall and Lake Saratoga. He reportedly left in the early hours of July 29 to avoid crowds of onlookers. Later that day, General Joeseph Hooker and Rueben Fenton would arrive in the city for vacations.
Child Abducted in Saratoga Found in New York City
July 28, 1874 saw a child who was abducted from his father in Saratoga was found 12 years after he was kidnapped. The finding came after his abductor made a deathbed confession admitting to the kidnapping. Upon hearing the news, the father went to New York City to retrieve the now young man.
Train Derailed as Part of Strike
The night of July 31, 1910, saw eight rail workers purposefully derail a passenger train carrying 400 people in Ballston Lake. The derailment lead to the Sherriff to intervene in the strike and prevent further violence. Local reports indicate that the strikers were look for a 25 cent — about $8.50 today — increase in pay. The eight men were later caught and tried for the derailment.
Flights between Saratoga and New York City Begin
On July 27, 1929, it was announced that there would be regular flights between Saratoga Springs and New York City during track season to start July 29. The flights took place during track season and transported passengers via seaplane from Queens to Saratoga Springs with an additional stop in Lake George. Media reports said the schedule meant that someone could work in the morning, go to the track and be back in time for dinner.
In addition, on July 31, a short-wave radio station between Roosevelt Field in New York City and Saratoga Springs was implemented to give pilots up-to-date weather information.
Anti-Gambling advocates Home Bombed
On July 28, 1934, the home of Emma St. John was bombed by two men who reportedly broke the front windows of her home and tossed in the bombs. St. John was treated by a local doctor for shock. The bombing came after she had submitted a petition to then New York Governor Herbert Lehman to remove three county and city officials in Saratoga for failing to curb gambling in the city ahead of the race season. Lehman refused.