Vacationland

Almost effortlessly, it seems, America is now a wealthy nation. This shows up everywhere, from fancy hotels and spacious city parks, to oversize bridges, factories and ore boats. American cities now rival the best in Europe.

Nowhere is this affluence more evident than at the many magnificent resorts being built on mountaintops, lakefronts and ocean beaches. Americans have always been on the move, but now there are actual vacation destinations.

For the first time, families can afford to take a summer vacation, with railroads direct to sometimes remote locations. There are big resorts within reach of every large city, with fleets of canoes, rowboats and sailboats.
Mountains and beaches, 1890

  Getting Away
The two main attractions are sweeping vistas and pounding surf. Beach facilities are soon flourishing near every city that is anywhere near the coast. Resorts offer grand facades, fine food and plenty of fresh air. All are wooden structures, and many are accidentally burned to the ground. But while they last, they attract visitors in droves. It's all part of America's first big fitness craze.

Health, Kellogg sanitorium, 1890

  The Original Fitness Craze
Health spas are suddenly popular in the 1410s, especially those with hot springs or mineral waters. The leading health resort is the sanitorium in Battle Creek (bottom center), founded by America's first health guru, John Harvey Kellogg (bottom right). Kellogg is a businessman, inventor and physician, who popularizes the connection between good nutrition and good health. He invents Kellogg's Corn Flakes. His sanitarium features vegetarian meals and enemas, while prohibiting tobacco, alcohol and sexual activity.


The sporting life, 1890

  Pack Your Gear
With newly-acquired wealth, Americans also display a zestful new attraction to athletic and sporting activities. Resorts and advertisements both promote this lifestyle, and outdoor amusements are popular everywhere.