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Undated, Saratoga
North Platte Bridge, looking west, 1947.
The majority of early settlers were stockgrowers. Julian Ralph in his
1993 Our Great West, a Study of the Present conditions and Future Possibilities of the New Commonweaths and
Capitals of the United States noted that in the 1880's there were twenty-five herds of cattle, fifteen
of which were owned by large stockgrowers. Everything in the valley was devoted to stockgrowing. Indeed,
Ralph noted that even potatoes was purchased. Gradually, however, smaller ranches given over
feeding of alfalfa in the winter and growing of crops. Thus, the valley changed from a few large herds
to a larger number of smaller farmers and ranchers with small herds. A flour-mill was constructed.
Saratoga School, 1907.
Saratoga as a town, traces its origins to the Cadwells who built a bath house for
trappers and travelers passing through the area. In 1878, a post office was established with
the name "Warm Springs." This, however, was changed to Saratoga after Saratoga Springs,
New York by Fenimore Chatterton (1860-1958) who operated a general store. Chatterton revious
had served as sutler at Fort Fred Steele down river from Saratoga. Later, Chatterton was Secretary of State and upon the death of
Governor DeForest Richards became acting Governor. Chatterton refused commutation of
Tom Horn's death sentence and failed of election in 1905 and was succeeded by
Bryant B. Brooks. Saratoga was incorporated in 1900.
Saratoga, approx. 1910.
Saratoga, looking east, approx. 1939.
As indicated by the following series of
photos, Saratoga remains unencumbered by the problems of high growth.
Bridge Street, Saratoga, looking West, 1915.
Bridge Street, Saratoga, looking west, approx. 1939.
Bridge Street, Saratoga, looking west, approx. 1941. Photo by William P. Sanborn.
Main Street, Saratoga, approx. 1949. Photo by William P. Sanborn.
North Platte photos continued on next page.
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