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 plead with council to preserve the orchard as is.
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.

Source: Saratoga History

Information Deemed Reliable, But Not Guaranteed.