Ballston Spa, New York
Encyclopedia
Ballston Spa is a village
in Saratoga County
, New York
, United States
. The population was 5,556 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat
of Saratoga County
. The village is named after Rev. Eliphalet Ball, a Congregationalist clergyman and an early settler. The village lies on the border of two towns and is partly in the Town of Ballston
and partly in the Town of Milton
. The village is southwest of Saratoga Springs
.
At one time, the village was famous for its mineral water
spring
used for healing, including the Hawthorne and Lithia springs. It was also known for the San Souci Hotel, which in the early 19th century was the largest in the United States and one of the largest in the world.
The effervescent water, tonic, and cathartic
from this city is also known as Ballston Spa. The liquid contains common salt
and carbonates of magnesium
and calcium
Kelly Williams Graduate of Ballston Spa High School author of novel "Blue Honor" based in the Civil War. Blue Honor 1-4392-2094-8 ISBN 9781439220948
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the village has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²), of which, 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²) of it is land and 0.62% is water.
New York State Route 50
(Milton Avenue), a north-south highway, passes through the village and intersects New York State Route 67
(West High Street). County Road 63 (Malta Avenue) leaves the village to the east, connecting it to US Route 9 and Interstate 87
(The Northway).
of 2000, there were 5,556 people, 2,267 households, and 1,385 families residing in the village. The population density
was 3,464.8 people per square mile (1,340.7/km²). There were 2,398 housing units at an average density of 1,495.4 per square mile (578.7/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 96.33% White, 1.17% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.61% from other races
, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.94% of the population.
There were 2,267 households out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples
living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the village the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $37,173, and the median income for a family was $49,387. Males had a median income of $36,929 versus $27,281 for females. The per capita income
for the village was $20,237. About 7.4% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.
Before the 2008-2009 school year, the arrangement of public schools was as follows:
Village
A village is a clustered human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet with the population ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand , Though often located in rural areas, the term urban village is also applied to certain urban neighbourhoods, such as the West Village in Manhattan, New...
in Saratoga County
Saratoga County, New York
Saratoga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 219,607. It is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Ballston Spa...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 5,556 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Saratoga County
Saratoga County, New York
Saratoga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 219,607. It is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Ballston Spa...
. The village is named after Rev. Eliphalet Ball, a Congregationalist clergyman and an early settler. The village lies on the border of two towns and is partly in the Town of Ballston
Ballston, New York
Ballston is a town in Saratoga County, New York, USA. The population was 8,729 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from an early settler, Eliphalet Ball.The Town of Ballston is in the south part of the County and is north of Schenectady....
and partly in the Town of Milton
Milton (town), New York
Milton is a town in Saratoga County, New York, USA. The population was 17,103 at the 2000 census. Some believe that the town was named after the poet, John Milton, while other sources state that it is a shortening of "Mill-town" for the early mill activity....
. The village is southwest of Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, also known as simply Saratoga, is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 26,586 at the 2010 census. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area. While the word "Saratoga" is known to be a corruption of a Native American name, ...
.
History
The village was first settled in 1771 and was incorporated as a village in 1807.At one time, the village was famous for its mineral water
Mineral water
Mineral water is water containing minerals or other dissolved substances that alter its taste or give it therapeutic value, generally obtained from a naturally occurring mineral spring or source. Dissolved substances in the water may include various salts and sulfur compounds...
spring
Spring (hydrosphere)
A spring—also known as a rising or resurgence—is a component of the hydrosphere. Specifically, it is any natural situation where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground...
used for healing, including the Hawthorne and Lithia springs. It was also known for the San Souci Hotel, which in the early 19th century was the largest in the United States and one of the largest in the world.
The effervescent water, tonic, and cathartic
Cathartic
In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is in contrast to a laxative, which is a substance which eases defecation, usually by softening feces. It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic...
from this city is also known as Ballston Spa. The liquid contains common salt
Salt
In chemistry, salts are ionic compounds that result from the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. They are composed of cations and anions so that the product is electrically neutral...
and carbonates of magnesium
Magnesium carbonate
Magnesium carbonate, MgCO3, is a white solid that occurs in nature as a mineral. Several hydrated and basic forms of magnesium carbonate also exist as minerals...
and calcium
Calcium carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3. It is a common substance found in rocks in all parts of the world, and is the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, coal balls, pearls, and eggshells. Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime,...
- Was at one time the 11th most populated region in the future United States.
- Ballston Spa is home to the National Bottle MuseumNational Bottle MuseumThe National Bottle Museum is located on Milton Avenue in downtown Ballston Spa, New York, United States. Established in 1978, it has a collection of around 2,000 antique bottles, most made prior to industrialization of the process in 1903...
.
- Ballston Spa is the birthplace of Abner DoubledayAbner DoubledayAbner Doubleday was a career United States Army officer and Union general in the American Civil War. He fired the first shot in defense of Fort Sumter, the opening battle of the war, and had a pivotal role in the early fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg was his finest hour, but his...
, believed by some to be the creator of baseball.
- Portions of the novel The Last of the MohicansThe Last of the MohicansThe Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757 is a historical novel by James Fenimore Cooper, first published in February 1826. It is the second book of the Leatherstocking Tales pentalogy and the best known...
were written by James Fenimore CooperJames Fenimore CooperJames Fenimore Cooper was a prolific and popular American writer of the early 19th century. He is best remembered as a novelist who wrote numerous sea-stories and the historical novels known as the Leatherstocking Tales, featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo...
in the present day Brookside Museum and inspired by the local landscape.
- George WestGeorge WestGeorge West was a U.S. Representative from New York. Born in Bradninch, England, West attended the common schools. West immigrated to the United States in February 1849 and settled at Ballston Spa, New York...
(known as the "Paper Bag King") developed a line of square-bottomed paper bags which he manufactured by the millions after the American Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, and at one time owned almost a dozen paper mills located along the KayaderosserasKayaderosserasThe Kayaderosseras Creek is the largest river that lies completely within Saratoga County, New York State. It originates in the northern part of the county, and passes through the Town of Greenfield and the Town of Milton before emptying into Saratoga Lake....
Creek.
- Is home to Brookside Museum, Saratoga County Historical Society.
- Several scenes in Sydney PollackSydney PollackSydney Irwin Pollack was an American film director, producer and actor. Pollack studied with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, where he later taught acting...
's 1973 film The Way We WereThe Way We WereThe Way We Were is a 1973 American romantic dramatic film co-starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, directed by Sydney Pollack. The screenplay by Arthur Laurents was based on his college days at Cornell University and his experiences with the House Un-American Activities Committee.A box...
were filmed on Ballston Spa's Front Street.
- Was home to the Ballston Knitting Company from 1918 to 1994.
- In 1787 Benajah Douglas, father of 1860 presidential candidate Stephen Douglas, built the first tavern and hotel at Ballston Spa. It was located near the natural spring.
- Ballston Spa's San Souci Hotel was the largest hotel in the United States when it was built by Nicholas Low in 1803. Presidents, senators and governors stayed there, as well as many wealthy private citizens.
- Scenes from "The Horse WhispererThe Horse WhispererThe Horse Whisperer is a 1998 American drama film directed by and starring Robert Redford, based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Nicholas Evans...
" (1998)--were filmed in Ballston Spa.
- Was once served by four railroads (Delaware and Hudson RailwayDelaware and Hudson RailwayThe Delaware and Hudson Railway is a railroad that operates in the northeastern United States. Since 1991 it has been a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway, although CPR has assumed all operations and the D&H does not maintain any locomotives or rolling stock.It was formerly an important...
, The Ballston Terminal Railroad, Schenectady Railway, Hudson Valley Railway).
- Was the model for the village of North Bath, NY, the setting for the 1993 best-selling novel and 1994 movie, Nobody's Fool. The book's author, Richard RussoRichard RussoRichard Russo is an American novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, and teacher.-Early life and education:Russo was born in Johnstown, New York, and raised in nearby Gloversville...
, is a native of nearby Gloversville.
- Location of the fictional "Elspeth Hatch" murder trial ..defended by "Clarence Darrow" set in 1897 the book titled "Angel of darkness" by author "Caleb Carr"
- Recent mayors of Ballston Spa: John Romano (1995–present), James Capasso Jr. (1991–95), Bert Grandin (1983–91), James Capasso Sr. (1971–83)
Notable citizens
- Abner DoubledayAbner DoubledayAbner Doubleday was a career United States Army officer and Union general in the American Civil War. He fired the first shot in defense of Fort Sumter, the opening battle of the war, and had a pivotal role in the early fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg was his finest hour, but his...
, American Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
hero and supposed inventor of baseballBaseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
was born in Ballston Spa. The house he was born in is designated as a New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
State landmark.
- Hon. George WestGeorge WestGeorge West was a U.S. Representative from New York. Born in Bradninch, England, West attended the common schools. West immigrated to the United States in February 1849 and settled at Ballston Spa, New York...
acquired ten paper mills situated along the KayaderosserasKayaderosserasThe Kayaderosseras Creek is the largest river that lies completely within Saratoga County, New York State. It originates in the northern part of the county, and passes through the Town of Greenfield and the Town of Milton before emptying into Saratoga Lake....
Creek from 1862 to 1899 and became the largest manila paper manufacturer in the world. Also was a member of the NYS Assembly and US Congress. - Todd WaringTodd WaringTodd Waring is an American actor, best known for reprising the Tom Hanks roles in both the TV series version of Nothing in Common as well as the TV movie Splash, Too...
, television and movie actor, 1973 graduate of Ballston Spa High School. - Ebby ThacherEbby ThacherEdwin Throckmorton Thacher , was an old drinking friend and later the sponsor of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson...
, Bill Wilson's (co-founder of Alcohols Anonymous) sponsor. - Trevor MarsicanoTrevor MarsicanoTrevor Marsicano is an American long-track speedskater and silver medalist in the Winter Olympics.At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Marsicano won a silver medal for his part in the team pursuit...
, Olympic short-course speedskater, winning a silver medal in the Team Pursuit at the 2010 Games. - Stephen Steele BarlowStephen Steele BarlowStephen Steele Barlow was a politician in Wisconsin.-Biography:Barlow was born on August 17, 1818 in Ballston Spa, New York. He passed away on October 5, 1900.-Career:...
, Attorney General of WisconsinWisconsinWisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. - Richie and John Wurster, Olympic speedskaters. Richie competed in the 1,500-meter event at the 1968 Games; John competed in the 500-meter event at the 1968 and 1972 Games.
Kelly Williams Graduate of Ballston Spa High School author of novel "Blue Honor" based in the Civil War. Blue Honor 1-4392-2094-8 ISBN 9781439220948
- Since 2008 has been home to the Ballston Spa Film Festival of short films from around the globe.
- Adam Hamilton, Famous local bartender, socialite, male model and entertainer.
Geography
Ballston Spa is located at 43°0′26"N 73°51′4"W (43.007185, -73.851168).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the village has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²), of which, 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²) of it is land and 0.62% is water.
New York State Route 50
New York State Route 50
New York State Route 50 is a state highway in the Capital District of New York in the United States. The southern terminus of the route is at an intersection with NY 5 in Scotia...
(Milton Avenue), a north-south highway, passes through the village and intersects New York State Route 67
New York State Route 67
New York State Route 67 is an east–west state highway in eastern New York in the United States. The western terminus of the route is at an intersection with NY 5 in the town of St. Johnsville...
(West High Street). County Road 63 (Malta Avenue) leaves the village to the east, connecting it to US Route 9 and Interstate 87
Interstate 87
Interstate 87 is a Interstate Highway located entirely within New York State in the United States of America. I-87 is the longest intrastate Interstate highway in the Interstate Highway System. Its southern end is at the Bronx approaches of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in New York City...
(The Northway).
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 5,556 people, 2,267 households, and 1,385 families residing in the village. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,464.8 people per square mile (1,340.7/km²). There were 2,398 housing units at an average density of 1,495.4 per square mile (578.7/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 96.33% White, 1.17% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.61% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.94% of the population.
There were 2,267 households out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the village the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $37,173, and the median income for a family was $49,387. Males had a median income of $36,929 versus $27,281 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the village was $20,237. About 7.4% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.
Schools
- Milton Terrace South Elementary School
- Milton Terrace North Elementary School
- Wood Road Elementary School
- Malta Avenue Elementary School
- Ballston Spa Middle School
- Ballston Spa High SchoolBallston Spa High SchoolBallston Spa High School is a public high school located in Ballston Spa, New York. It is part of the Ballston Spa Central School District, which covers the towns of Ballston, Milton, and Malta in Saratoga County. The mascot is the Scottie dog, dedicated to long-time athletic director/coach Coach...
- St. Mary's is a Catholic school located in Ballston Spa. Although not a part of the Ballston Spa Central School District, the students are transported by the district's buses.Website
- Spa Christian School is a small, private, non-denominational Christian school for children Pre-K to 6th grade.
- Church Mouse is not part of the District, but a 3-4 year school. It is also a church.
Before the 2008-2009 school year, the arrangement of public schools was as follows:
- Milton Terrace Primary School
- Wood Road Intermediate School
- Malta Avenue Intermediate School
- Ballston Spa Middle School
- Ballston Spa High School