West Side Historic District, Saratoga Springs
The West Side Historic District is a residential neighborhood located just west of downtown. Spanning 122 acres, it stretches from the blocks west of Broadway to extensions along Church Street and Washington Street. Within this district lies the former Franklin Square Historic District, which remains intact as part of its historical landscape.
The West Side developed in the 19th century, influenced first by early land grants and later by the arrival of railroads, which played a significant role in shaping the community. During Saratoga Springs鈥� boom years as a resort town, the West Side became home to the city's working-class residents. In 1994, the district was officially recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The district contains almost 600 properties, including 500 historic wood-frame houses that maintain their architectural integrity. The homes reflect vernacular 19th-century styles, with two distinct types of residences. The most upscale homes are found along Franklin Square, Church Street, Woodlawn Street, Clinton Street, and Van Dam Street, where two-story townhouses showcase elegant architectural details.
Some of these residences incorporate brick or stone facades, ornate ornamentation, and spacious porches, often with a generous setback from the street. These homes were built for wealthier residents who still lived within the predominantly working-class district. In contrast, the majority of homes in the district are modest village residences, typically one to two stories with front-facing gables, smaller lots, and minimal decorative elements.
The district also includes two individually listed properties on the National Register, one of which is a house, and the other a cemetery. Additionally, 18 sites of former homes are considered contributing properties to the district鈥檚 historic character.
The West Side developed in the 19th century, influenced first by early land grants and later by the arrival of railroads, which played a significant role in shaping the community. During Saratoga Springs鈥� boom years as a resort town, the West Side became home to the city's working-class residents. In 1994, the district was officially recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The district contains almost 600 properties, including 500 historic wood-frame houses that maintain their architectural integrity. The homes reflect vernacular 19th-century styles, with two distinct types of residences. The most upscale homes are found along Franklin Square, Church Street, Woodlawn Street, Clinton Street, and Van Dam Street, where two-story townhouses showcase elegant architectural details.
Some of these residences incorporate brick or stone facades, ornate ornamentation, and spacious porches, often with a generous setback from the street. These homes were built for wealthier residents who still lived within the predominantly working-class district. In contrast, the majority of homes in the district are modest village residences, typically one to two stories with front-facing gables, smaller lots, and minimal decorative elements.
The district also includes two individually listed properties on the National Register, one of which is a house, and the other a cemetery. Additionally, 18 sites of former homes are considered contributing properties to the district鈥檚 historic character.
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West Side Historic District on Map
Sight Name: West Side Historic District
Sight Location: Saratoga Springs, USA (See walking tours in Saratoga Springs)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Saratoga Springs, USA (See walking tours in Saratoga Springs)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Saratoga Springs, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Saratoga Springs
Creating your own self-guided walk in Saratoga Springs is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Saratoga Springs Introduction Walking Tour
Saratoga Springs, New York, is a city that wears its history well. The name Saratoga comes from the Mohawk word Sarachtogue, meaning 鈥減lace of swift water,鈥� and reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area. The Mohawk Indigenous peoples had long valued these springs before the arrival of Europeans.
The British built Fort Saratoga in 1691. The area鈥檚 first permanent settlement... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
The British built Fort Saratoga in 1691. The area鈥檚 first permanent settlement... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Saratoga Springs Historical Buildings Walk
Saratoga Springs, New York, has a rich architectural heritage that reflects its past as a hub for tourism, horse racing, and health retreats. The Broadway Historic District is the heart of the city, featuring 19th- and early 20th-century buildings that house shops, restaurants, and grand hotels. One of these landmarks is the Adelphi Hotel, a luxurious 1877 structure that still exudes Gilded Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles