History of Bolton Landing on Lake George: A Glimpse Into Bolton's Past

Bolton Landing

Bolton Landing, located on the shore of Lake George, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. In addition to its beautiful beaches and views, Bolton Landing is the home of the famous hotel The Sagamore, the high-flying high-wire adventure course Adirondack Extreme, Highlands Castle where fairy tales come true, and so much more! Bolton Landing is a hamlet in the Town of Bolton, both of which are rich in present day attractions as well as in history.

History of The Town of Bolton

The Town of Bolton dates back to 1799, when it was formed from the town of Thurman. According to town descendent Arabella Nims, the area of Bolton Landing in the early 1800s was comprised of mountains and valleys that were covered with trackless forests. During that time, there were only four or five framed houses, with the majority of housing constructed from logs. When Bolton was first established, the primary industry was lumbering which brought a number of saw mills and grist mills to the area.

In the beginnings of the town, there was only one school house that was located three miles north of the town, until around 1804 when a new school was built south of the historic Mohican House. Today, the town has its own school district, the Bolton Landing Central School District.

The Mohican House was the site of the very first hotel, tavern, and general store in Bolton Landing. Built in 1870, the second oldest hotel in Bolton was the Bolton House, located north of the Mohican House. The third oldest hotel is the famed Sagamore, which first opened in the spring of 1883. The Sagamore, situated on Green Island, is proudly running today, and stands on higher ground overlooking the majesty of Lake George. The Sagamore offers spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains and the lake, as well as wonderful accommodations and delicious food.

When visiting, be sure to check out the Bolton Historical Society Museum and Lake George Historical Association Museum for exhibits and more historic facts about the town.

Bolton Today

Today, Bolton has become one of the most popular spots on the lake, offering amazing shopping, restaurants, and breathtaking views. You can explore Bolton by taking a trip to The Sembrich, where you can experience concerts, films, festivals, and other cultural events. Alternatively, you can head down to the water, where Rodgers Memorial Park beach offers plenty of space to take a dip, play basketball and tennis, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family.

More on Bolton Landing »

Sources: 

Historic dates and information provided by the History of Warren County, H. P. Smith, Chapter XXVIII: History of the Town of Bolton