The area we know as Saratoga County was once the hunting ground of the Iroquois Indians. They called this land Sarach-togue, “hillside of springs in Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs.
The completion of the Champlain and Erie canals favorably impacted Crescent, Vischers Ferry, Waterford, Mechanicville and Stillwater. The utilization of water power fueled the first manufacturing industries of the region: tanning, flax and fulling. The development of the county continued with the introduction of the steam railroad, Saratoga-Schenectady Railroad (1832) and the Adirondack Railroad (1863-1865), which later became the Delaware and Hudson. What was once remote farmland in Clifton Park, Halfmoon and Malta exploded with growth after the construction of the “Northway” (Route I-87) in the 1950's. This super highway made it possible for residents of these communities to commute easily to Albany, Schenectady and Troy.
The towns in southern Saratoga County have become a bustling hub of this ever-growing region. The towns host both major retail and professional centers, and a variety of recreational activities including fitness clubs, championship and miniature golf courses, ice skating rinks and superb outdoor facilities.
School, business, government, religious facilities and the chamber of commerce keep expanding to meet the needs of our growing populations. Our government and other dedicated organizations work to plan this growth to maximize the quality of life and the economic prosperity available to our citizens. With the recent developments centered on the emerging technology based industries, Southern Saratoga County promises to lead the way in transforming our region into the leading high tech area of the country.