Invented in Saratoga County, New York

To anyone with a passing interest in Saratoga County history, the development of Standard Time and the creation of potato chips on Saratoga Lake are rather well-known, but most others have been relegated to history.

Few may be aware that the revolving turret on the Civil War ironclad warship “Monitor” was invented by Saratoga resident Theodore Timby. Ransom Cook developed the auger bit in use today by observing the jaws of a beetle under a microscope. Lucien DeGolia of Edinburgh patented a unique washboard and manufactured them by the tens of thousands. Lysander Button of Waterford won dozens of awards for his world famous hand fire engines. The list goes on and on.

Although many of the inventors and inventions of Saratoga County have been forgotten, their stories are woven into the fabric of its history. Within these pages are detailed accounts of:

One of the world’s largest paper mills and its inventive manager
America’s first copyrighted residence
The casket that protected the body of President Ulysses S. Grant
The patents that helped Saratoga Springs sell its spring water around the world
A casino owner’s liquor serving table
A unique folding pontoon boat that was built at the Glen Paper Collar Company

…and dozens of other wonderful inventions, all developed and used in Saratoga County, New York.