Walking Directions: This is the end of the Irish section. You will walk just past West Side Grill and stop near the parking lot entrance for the beginning of the Black Community section of the tour.
Introduction to Stop 12
The Story
John Morrissey is probably the most famous of all the Irish immigrants who settled in Saratoga Springs in the 19th century and was a pivotal figure in shaping the city into a premier American resort town. A former prizefighter turned entrepreneur and politician, Morrissey helped found the Saratoga Race Course along with the wealthy visitors like Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1864, establishing horse racing as the cornerstone of the city’s identity and economy.
He went on to build an elegant gambling house in 1870 originally called the “Saratoga Club House” (also “Morrissey’s Club House”) and now known as Canfield Casino. Between the racetrack and the casino, Morrissey helped transform Saratoga Springs from a seasonal spa village into a world-class resort destination.
Watch:
This is a 3 1/2 minute documentary video produced by ESPN on the fascinating life of John Morrissey. Watch now or when you reach Congress Park at the end of the tour.
Artwork
A detail of the Irish painting featuring John Morrissey in center and workers on either side
West Side Heritage Tour 