About Saranac Lake, New York
The village with the highest concentration of historic places in America
Saranac Lake, located in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It played a significant role in American medical history, particularly in the treatment of tuberculosis.
The village was famously known as a health destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for those with tuberculosis due to the belief in the healing properties of its cold, clean air. Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau founded the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium here, which was pivotal in tuberculosis research and treatment.
In 1998, the National Civic League named Saranac Lake an All-America City and in 2006 the village was named one of the "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The village is the largest community by population in the Adirondacks with nearly 5,000 residents.
The village maintains much of its old architecture. One in every 45 structures in Saranac Lake is historic. Saranac Lake is known as the "Capital of the Adirondacks". The quaint village has the unique distinction of having the highest concentration of historic places of any town in America.
The ranking measures the percentage of registered historic structures relative to all buildings in the town, not just the raw number. Its small size of about 3.5 square miles combined with a high density of preserved buildings totaling 230 individual historic structures gives it an edge.
Situated in the heart of the Adirondack Park, Saranac Lake is surrounded by mountains and numerous lakes, including Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lake. This makes it a hub for outdoor activities.
The area is renowned for hiking, with trails like those on Ampersand Mountain and Baker Mountain being popular. Winter activities include skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Summer offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Saranac Lake hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Winter Carnival, which features ice palaces, parades, and other festivities. The town has a rich arts scene with galleries, live music, and theaters.
The economy has traditionally been linked to tourism, health care, and education. Paul Smith's College, located nearby, plays a significant role in the local economy and cultural life.
Saranac Lake has a small-town feel with a strong sense of community. Local businesses, from bookstores to cafes, contribute to a lively downtown area. Residents and visitors alike gather along Main Street, where historic storefronts house family-owned shops and restaurants.
Besides Dr. Trudeau, Saranac Lake was home to or visited by notable figures like Robert Louis Stevenson (who wrote part of "Treasure Island" while visiting) and Norman Cousins, who wrote about his experience with laughter therapy while recovering from illness in Saranac Lake.
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Saranac Lake's unique architectural character stems from its sanatorium era, evident in the cure porches that grace many historic buildings. Through carefully preserved structures and dedicated museums, the village honors its medical past while embracing contemporary life.
This successful transformation from health resort to year-round destination demonstrates how a community can honor its heritage while evolving, attracting visitors who come for both mountain recreation and the compelling story of tuberculosis treatment in America.