Saratoga County was formed from its parent, Albany County, in 1791. It encompasses part of the Adirondack Mountains, the Kayaderosseras and Sacandaga Rivers, numerous lakes and streams, and abundant farmlands. The Hudson River forms the eastern and northern boundary of the county, while the Mohawk River forms the southern boundary. The four original towns consisted of Ballston, Stillwater, Half-moon and Saratoga. Today there are nineteen towns, nine incorporated villages, and two cities (Saratoga Springs and Mechanicville).

The Mohawk tribe of the Iroquois Five Nations used the lands of Saratoga County as hunting and fishing grounds. During the American Revolution, General Gates defeated British forces under General Burgoyne at the Battles of Saratoga. Both the historic Champlain Canal, located on the Hudson River, and the Erie Canal, located on the Mohawk River, operated in this county, and multiple railroads crisscrossed its borders (later combined into the Delaware & Hudson Railroad).

During the nineteenth century, Saratoga County was an important industrial area. Its location just north of the Capital Region, abundant rivers, and first-class transportation routes made it ideal for industry to flourish. Huge paper mills, tanneries, and foundries made good use the of available water power and seemingly inexhaustible supply of timber. Its innovative citizens changed the world, such as George Crum and his potato chips, Ransom Cook and his "Beetle Bit," Theodore Timby and his revolving gun turret, and Charles Dowd and his efforts toward implementing Standard Time. During this period, Saratoga Springs drew thousands of visitors each year to its rare mineral springs, world-class racetrack, and popular gambling houses (such as the Canfield Casino - pictured right). Today, Saratoga County is the fastest growing area in New York State. It is one of the most desirable residential locations due to its family-styled villages and easy commuting distance to Albany and Troy. Its population of over 200,000 citizens is growing every day.