Wilton in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Feat of Engineering
Mt. McGregor Railroad 1882 - 1897
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2023
1. A Feat of Engineering Marker
The Saratoga, Mount McGregor and Lake George Railroad was constructed in 1882 to provide faster transportation for visitors to Mt. McGregor from the nearby resort town of Saratoga Springs
In November 1883, inventor Leo Daft tested the electric locomotive Ampere on the Mt. McGregor railroad line. These early tests paved the way for future electric rail travel in America.
Ulysses Grant and family arrived on the train June 16, 1885. On July 23rd the former President passed away and on Aug 4th his remains were taken by special funeral train from the mountain.
The impressive 10.5 mile line was constructed in only four months. It was a narrow gauge railway with 3 feet between the rails and had to climb from 360 feet to 1000 feet in a short distance. The steep grade and rocky terrain required the construction of cliffside track and multiple trestles.
The railroad dropped visitors off at a platform where you are now standing. Guests could then walk up the hill under the rustic covered walkway, lit by electric lights, to the 100 room Balmoral Hotel nearby. After dropping off visitors the engine continued down the track and was stored in a shed at the end of the line. The Railroad was dismantled after the loss of the Balmoral Hotel in 1897.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is June 16, 1885.
Location. 43° 12.034′ N, 73° 44.685′ W. Marker is in Wilton, New York, in Saratoga County. Marker is on Mount McGregor Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is on the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage grounds, just north of the Visitor Center parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Mount McGregor Road, Gansevoort NY 12831, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ulysses S. Grant (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ulysses S. Grant Died (about 300 feet away); Grant’s Last View of the Valley (about 400 feet away); Grant’s Last Trip to the Eastern Outlook (about 400 feet away); The Hotel and Ulysses S. Grant at Mt. McGregor (about 500 feet away); Grant Cottage (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Grant Cottage (approx. 1.4 miles away); a different marker also named Grant Cottage (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilton.
Also see . . .
1. Saratoga, Mount McGregor and Lake George Railroad at Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 29, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2023
2. A Feat of Engineering Marker
2. Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historical Site & National Historic Landmark. (Submitted on July 29, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
