Part 14/15:
The End of the Golden Era and Its Lasting Legacy
As the 20th century dawned, the opulence of America’s Golden Age resorts waned. Competition from emerging destinations, changing social tastes, and technological innovations like automobiles diminished the necessity of grand train-accessed retreats. Nevertheless, many once-elite sites, from Newport to Mount Desert Island, remain cultural icons—either as preserved historic districts or as part of national parks, drawing visitors from all walks of life.
The period represented a unique confluence of wealth, societal glamour, and a desire to combine leisure with statesmanship—creating a legacy of architectural grandeur, social stratification, and the timeless allure of summer escape.