About The Oldest Sports Venue In America
The world’s oldest active harness racing track
A sports venue is defined as a building, structure, or place in which a sporting event is held. Venue is derived from the Latin for "come" (venire), and it's a place people come to.
Goshen Historic Track, located in Goshen, New York is the oldest sporting venue of any kind in America. It holds a remarkable place in American sports history as the oldest continuously operated horse racing track in North America, with roots tracing back to 1838. Its story is one of evolution, resilience, and cultural significance, tied deeply to the development of harness racing and the rural heritage of Orange County.
The Historical Marker Database describes it as America's oldest active trotting track. Hudson Rover Valley National heritage recognizes it as the oldest working racetrack in the country. New York Department of Economic Development defines it as the oldest harness track in the world.
The origins of racing in Goshen predate the track itself. As early as the 1750s, informal horse races were held along the village’s Main Street, now part of New York State Route 207. These weren’t structured events but rather spontaneous competitions among locals, often using trotters—horses bred for pulling carriages rather than galloping at full speed.
This reflected the practical needs of the time, as trotting horses were common for transportation in colonial and early American life. By the early 19th century, these races had gained enough popularity that a more formal venue was needed.
In 1838, a key moment arrived. Local landowner Peter Turner leased a parcel of land near the village center to the Orange County Agricultural Society for use as a fairground. Within this space, a third-of-a-mile circular track was cleared around an existing circus ground, marking the birth of what would become Goshen Historic Track.
The site was chosen for its flat terrain and proximity to the village, making it accessible for spectators and participants. That year, the first recorded trotting races took place, setting the stage for a lasting legacy.
The early track was rudimentary—little more than a dirt loop—but it quickly became a focal point for harness racing, a sport distinct from the thoroughbred racing that would later dominate places like Saratoga. Harness racing involved horses pulling two-wheeled sulkies, emphasizing stamina and pacing over raw speed.
This resonated with the agricultural community, as many farmers owned trotters or pacers for work and saw racing as both entertainment and a chance to showcase their stock. By the mid-19th century, the track’s popularity grew, and improvements followed. In 1858, the Orange County Driving Park Association took over management, signaling a shift toward professionalization.
The track’s layout evolved too. The original third-of-a-mile circle was replaced in 1873 with a half-mile oval, a size better suited for competitive harness racing and still in use today. Grandstands were added to accommodate growing crowds, and the annual Orange County Fair, held on the same grounds, boosted attendance with races as a centerpiece attraction.
The mid-20th century tested Goshen’s resilience. After New York legalized off-track betting in the 1970s, smaller tracks struggled. In 1978, pari-mutuel betting was discontinued at Goshen, shifting its focus to training and amateur racing. Yet the track didn’t fade. It adapted by emphasizing its heritage, hosting matinee races (non-wagering events) and maintaining a year-round training facility with over 100 stalls.
Today, Goshen operates a limited racing season, highlighted by a three-day festival around July 4th that draws thousands. The Grand Circuit returned in recent decades, with events like the Landmark Stakes keeping the track competitive. The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, opened in 1951 across the street, complements the track, housing artifacts like the sulky of Hambletonian descendant Dexter and offering simulator rides to visitors.
As of April 6, 2025, Goshen Historic Track remains active at 187 years old. Its half-mile oval, grandstand (rebuilt in 1908 and 1979), and clubhouse stand as they have for over a century, maintained by a nonprofit dedicated to its legacy. While it no longer hosts the volume of races it once did—about 10 days annually—it trains horses year-round and draws history buffs, racing fans, and locals alike.
Goshen’s longevity is extraordinary. Since 1838, it has weathered wars, economic shifts, and changing tastes without closing, outlasting flashier venues. Its continuous operation as a harness racing track—older than Saratoga Race Course (1863) or any baseball stadium—makes it a living relic. The track’s small size and community focus contrast with modern mega-stadiums, offering a window into a slower, more agrarian America.
Its influence extends beyond racing. Goshen helped standardize the Standardbred breed and shaped harness racing’s rules and culture. Its National Historic Landmark status and museum tie it to a broader narrative of American sport, from colonial pastimes to professional leagues. For all these reasons, Goshen Historic Track isn’t just old—it’s a cornerstone of the nation’s sporting heritage.
This oldest sport venue in America was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1966, and as contributing property in the NRHP Church Park Historic District.