Saratoga History
This gateway to the Santa Cruz mountains once
was home to the Ohlone Indians, but California's agricultural and timber
explosion came swiftly. After World War II, Saratoga blocked military
industrial development and incorporated as the City of Saratoga. Today
it retains that close-knit and quiet feel, and has settled comfortably
into a well-placed, well-heeled residential community.
Saratoga began life as Toll Gate, named for
the toll gate erected by Martin McCarty.
Before it was known for its classy restaurants,
the city was first famous for its lumber mill. It later was noted for
its flour mill and, finally, for its healthful spring waters, which
recalled for some the hot springs at Congress Springs in Saratoga, N.Y.
The springs in the hills above the town became
popular with visitors, many from San Francisco who came to restore themselves
in the waters.
On March 13, 1865, Saratoga became the official
name of the city. (Source: Saratoga News)
Saratoga In the News
Residents Petition to Save Historic Orchard
: Residents plead with council to preserve the orchard as is.
Local Art Historian Brings Far Eastern Treasures West : Marion Card
has helped shape the city for 50 years.
An Elegant Look at Saratoga's Libraries
: Book to share the history of the Saratoga libraries.
Saratoga History Tours
Saratoga Historical Museum sponsors a
tour on the first Sunday of each month, beginning in the spring. The
tours, organized by Willis Peck, begin at 2 p.m. at the Historical Museum,
20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. The tour covers almost a mile and takes
a little over an hour. Volunteers from the museum share tour guide duties.
Call 408.867.4311 for information.
Saratoga History Museum
20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Saratoga,
CA Tel. 408.867.4311
Saratoga History Museum's small 1860s building has all the exhibit cases
and framed prints that one would expect of a one-room museum depicting
Saratoga's yesteryear, plus a new computer archive of databased information
and photographs. Open Friday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
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