The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-08-30
LAKE GEORGE.


-
Lake George is in one Of the ST. Law
renee valleys, a sheet Of purest water thirty
five miles long and from one to four miles
broad. 1t is dotted with green islands
and surrounded by forest-clad mountains,
and is by common consent the most beau
tiful of American lakes. And while il is
pre-eminent for the loneliness Of its scenery,
it is equally rich in historic associations
and heroic adventures. Before the Reyo-
luton Il was the highway between New
York and Canada, having been early ex-
plored by the French Jesuits in their mis-
sions to the Indians, and by them named
st. Sacrament. Its waters have been red
dened with the mingled blood of French
and English and savage Indians, who have
fought along its shores, or in canoes and
boats, and even on the ice that covered its
pure bosom, for the control of North
America. Great names have gathered
their wreaths Of fame from its lovely bays
and straits. Montcalm and Abercrombie,
Sir William johnson, Stark and Putnam,
with Indian chiefs of great renown, have
illustrated the region Of Lake George with
walike exploits and a bravery that is his
toric. Not far from the head of the lake
stands the monument to Colonel Ephraim
Williams, the founder of Williams College,
who fell near Bloody Pond in 1865.
Earthworks and ruins of old forts, the
sad reminders Of the desolations of war,
are to be found at prominent points on the
shores; and master of American fiction
has peopled the region with the creatures
of his Imagination, and invested the lake
with the charm of his genius.
II is not wonderful that at such lovely
and famous spot tourists should throng,
and artists gather, and that youths and
maidens just linked in marriage bonds
should come hither to breathe their words
Of tenderness and love in this Eden of de-
light. Although no railroad has yet bro
ken the silence with its rumble aud scream,
the crowds find their way by steamer from
the north and by stage from the south
and some of the largest and best hotels in
the country are to be found in this retired
spot. The Fort William Henry Hotel, a
vast carayansary, which can hold a thous.
and guests and comfortably accommodate
from six to eight hundred, stands at the
head of the lake, while the "Lake House,
the old established inn, now grown TO
large proportions, is upon the west side.
Opposite is "Crosbyside," charming
retreat empowered in woods, through which
vistas have been opened revealing exquis-
tic views. At this quiet and Christian
house, where no "bar" tempts the young
and the idle, and where, in consequence
no dissipated and reckless travellers care
to come, a company of the best people Of
our land assemble every year for rest and
healthful recreation. Old and young, boys
and girls, with their parents or in company
with each other, climb the hills and explore
the forests, but chiefly row and sail upon
the lake, or catch the beautiful trout that
live in its waters and when the noontide
has warmed the air, in some quiet bay the
men and boys find refreshment in bathing
and swimming. Here one tastes the com.
forts of home without its cares, pleasant
company among the beauties Of nature
and gains health for the body and q tonic
for the jaded mind without the roughness
Of the wilderness or the risks of the foreign
tour. And the time is not distant when al
along these shores, and on the picturesque
islands which gem the lake, tasteful villas
and summer homes win rise for the many
families which now wander up and down
from springs to mountains and from noun
tains to seashore, seeking rest and finding
none, and crying, "Who will show us any
good ?"
1t ishardly needful to tell how to get t.
Lake George, and yet, as some may moi
know the way, l will add that the train,
from Albany and Troy of the Rensselaer,
and Saratoga railroad 60 to Fort Edward
and at Fort Edward there is branch rail
road to Glen's Falls. From Glen's Falls 9
stage coach runs over plank road in al
hour and half to Caldwell and the hotels
From the north one can take the steam
boat at Tconderoga to the head Of tn,
lake. Those who wish to know more Of
the characteristics, scenes and history Of
Lake George can send to Arson d. +
Randolph & Co., 770 Broadway, New York
for Mr.. De Costa's book, which will tel
them all they need to know of this plea
SAINT subject for summer contemplation
Mr.. Randolph has cottage in deep pin,
grove on the borders Of the lake,-N. y