Saratoga Lake & Her Lost Steamboats

The sprawling Estate of Frank Leslie, know as Interlaken, owned a private steam yacht named the Frank Leslie. He was the founder of the first illustrated newspapers. His late wife would later assume his name and continue to run the company. After his death many things were sold and nobody knows the fate of the private yacht that was close to 60’ long! Will the lake give up her secrets this year? Stay tuned as we hunt for history! #saratogalake #loststeamboats

SideScan Sonar installation! This will allow 3D images of the bottom to be GPS mapped and cataloged for dive exploration! We are excited to have Bob Benway as part of our team! He has years of experience in underwater exploration and research!

The first of the new steel steamers being built by James Rees of Pittsburgh Pa was launched into Saratoga Lake June 15, 1881 as reported by the Saratogian! They are the largest to have sailed the lake!

We recently discovered this photo of an unknown steamboat on Saratoga Lake. Probably at the Moons Lake House dock as Snake Hill can be seen in the background. Photo from Saratoga County Historical Society.

Could this really be the stern plate to the steamer Idlewild?!!!!! Certainly a possibility considering the local historical items displayed here!!!

Not a Saratoga Boat, but super interesting story not to far away! This 1899 steamer still exists preserved on shore and its superstructure stored inside patiently waiting the fund and program to rebuild her. Built originally for the chain lakes to bring guests from the railroad to the lake, the Tuskarora finished her career on Blue Mountain Lake in 1930 before being hauled on shore and used buy families as house! We are so excited to have met the current owners and look forward to visiting in the spring for a complete tour!

Check out the exciting finds our friends in Moosehead Lake are finding!!!

Side Scan sonar runs today yielded 15 potential dive targets. As we become more familiar with image recognition and we will be able to narrow our search results. Side Scan Sonar allows us to create 3D images of the lake bottom. Stay tuned as we hunt for history!!!

Did you know Ballston Lake had a small steamer named Comanche? She sailed from Forest Park taking guests for scenic trips for many years. Forest Park was accessible by a trolley connection.