Introduction: Where Past and Present Meet
If you’ve ever cruised along Lake Shore Drive (Route 9N) on a golden summer day, you may have glimpsed through century-old trees a line of grand, stately homes. Locals fondly call this stretch “Millionaire’s Row,” a neighborhood that preserves the grandeur, romance, and history of Lake George’s Gilded Age. This is more than a group of remarkable mansions; it’s a living testament to a time when Lake George was the summer playground for some of America’s wealthiest families.
The Birth of Millionaire’s Row
Millionaire’s Row originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an era when industrial titans and business magnates from New York City, Albany, and beyond sought respite from the city’s heat in the pristine Adirondacks. Drawn by Lake George’s clear waters and mountain vistas, these elites transformed the lake’s western shore into their summer domain.
The “row” stretches primarily along Lake Shore Drive, just north of Lake George Village and running parallel to the lake itself. The lots were large, the architecture lavish, and the landscaping meticulously curated. With each estate, owners tried to outdo their neighbors—creating a parade of eclectic mansions, from Queen Anne Victorians to Colonial Revivals.
The Origin of the Name
Why is it called “Millionaire’s Row”? Simply put, this area was once home to some of the nation’s wealthiest families—names like the Roosevelts, Vanderbilts, Guggenheims, and Whitneys grace local lore. These families built sprawling ”summer cottages,” million-dollar estates in an era when that sum was almost unimaginable. The term “Millionaire’s Row” came into popular use in the early 1900s, as area newspapers marveled at the opulence clustered along these lakefront lots.
Key Historical Milestones
- Gilded Age Construction (1880s–1910s): This was the heyday of Millionaire’s Row, with mansions springing up almost yearly. Architects and landscape designers from New York City were frequently commissioned to create these summer masterpieces.
- Roaring Twenties & The Depression: While the 1920s saw continued social life along the Row, the Great Depression forced some families to sell or subdivide their estates. Some properties transitioned into guesthouses or were donated to religious groups.
- Preservation and Transformation (1950s–present): As vacation habits changed, many original estates were either lovingly restored or converted into inns, resorts, or private condominiums. Local efforts, often spearheaded by the Lake George Historical Association, have preserved the integrity of this unique neighborhood.
Notable Landmarks and Estates
Millionaire’s Row is peppered with stunning architectural gems and stories. Here are a few that make the area famous:
- The Inn at Erlowest (3178 Lake Shore Drive): Once the Tudor-style summer home of Edward Morse Shepard, this stone mansion is now a luxury inn and restaurant. Its turrets and sprawling grounds are local icons.
- Sun Castle Resort: Formerly the summer estate of Charles H. Waite, a New York City financier, Sun Castle’s stone walls and lakefront lawns still echo the opulence of a bygone era.
- Wiawaka Holiday House: A rare example of a historic retreat for women, Wiawaka was founded in 1903 to provide working women with affordable vacations. It occupies the former Mayflower estate and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Sagamore Resort (nearby Bolton Landing): While technically just north of Millionaire’s Row, this grand hotel welcomed the same summer society, solidifying Lake George’s national reputation as a resort destination.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Stories from Millionaire’s Row
Locals love to share tales of lavish parties, clandestine affairs, and social rivalries that once defined the Row. It wasn’t uncommon to spot private yachts along the docks or to hear stories of Gatsby-esque shindigs under twinkling lanterns.
A favorite piece of lore involves Harry Guggenheim, whose family compound hosted politicians, artists, and royalty. Another oft-shared anecdote tells of “The Three Sisters” houses—three adjacent mansions built for three sisters in the same family, each in slightly different architectural styles.
Community and Legacy Today
While much of Millionaire’s Row remains private, its legacy endures in the stately facades visible from the road and the public institutions that have found homes in former mansions. The Lake George Historical Association runs walking tours highlighting the area’s rich history, and Wiawaka continues its mission as a retreat for women to this day.
Along the Row, mature oaks, maples, and pines shield the homes from prying eyes, but glimpses of historic stonework, sweeping porches, and manicured lawns persist. Parks like Shepard Park (a bit south near the village) offer public spaces to enjoy panoramic lake views reminiscent of what first attracted Millionaire’s Row’s original residents.
How the Neighborhood Has Evolved
From exclusive summer enclave to cherished historical district, Millionaire’s Row has adapted gracefully over the decades:
- Shift to Hospitality: Several mansions have become inns, resorts, or event venues, sharing their beauty with new generations of visitors.
- Architectural Preservation: Both private owners and local associations have invested in restoring period details, ensuring that original character endures.
- Community Engagement: The neighborhood is no longer solely for the elite. Events, historical tours, and public gardens now foster a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Conclusion: A Timeless Treasure
Millionaire’s Row is more than just picturesque homes and glittering lake views—it's a living chapter of American history. To walk or drive along this storied shoreline is to trace the footsteps of the nation’s builders and dreamers. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the patio at Erlowest, strolling past Wiawaka’s gardens, or simply daydreaming as you peer through the maples, this neighborhood offers a rare blend of beauty, community, and heritage. In every season, Millionaire’s Row reminds us what makes Lake George so very special.