A look into the historic landmarks of Saratoga Springs, NY and the inspiration behind our famous Saratoga Springs Jewelry Collection
Saratoga Jewelry Collection – Inspiration & Design
The Spirit of Life
Standing in the heart of Congress Park, The Spirit of Life was designed by Daniel Chester French to represent Hygeia, the Ancient Greek giver of health. Henry Bacon – French’s collaborator for the Lincoln Memorial – designed the white marble setting in which the bronze statue stands. The active pose and lines of The Spirit of Life are as captivating as they are inspiring.
Spit and Spat
Two spritely figures engaged in an eternal water fight grace the gardens in Congress Park. Originally part of Canfield Casino, Spit and Spat manage to be amongst the most playful and elegant residents of Saratoga Springs.
Columbian Spring
Discovered in 1803 by Gideon Putnam – one of Saratoga’s first prominent residents – Columbian Spring is one of the attractions that gave the city its name. In 1840, owner John Clark constructed a simple yet striking Grecian pavilion over the springs.
Carousel
Originally made in 1910 by Marcus Charles Illions, the Congress Park Carousel features 28 dazzling hand carved horses. In 1987 the original owners decided to auction off the carousel, so residents and local shop owners of Saratoga Springs raised more than $100,000 to keep this piece of history in town. In 2002, after years of restoration, the carousel found its new home in Congress Park, where it continues to delight the public.
Saratoga Race Course
Widely considered the oldest sporting venue in the country, the Saratoga Race Course has a rich history of thoroughbred racing. Nestled in Downtown Saratoga Springs, the “track” – as locals refer it to – has been drawing crowds to its iconic grandstands since 1863, with notable races like Travers Stakes, the Whitney Handicap, and Alabama Stakes.
Yaddo
Originally purchased as an estate by the Trask family in 1881, Yaddo is now a National Historic Landmark. It serves as an artists’ community with residents that have produced hundreds of awards including a Nobel Prize. The 400-acre estate is also home to breathtaking gardens, fountains, and inspiring flourishes of architecture – like the Yaddo Column.
