| Abstract: | The British contribution to the 19th century North American seaside resolt was substantial. Most of the activities, structures, and philosophies that attracted North Americans in great numbers to the seaside not only originated in Britain but prior to diffusion to North America had become traditional fixtures in British resort life. The importance of the British contributions can be demonstrated by examining salient characteristics of the resorts on both sides of the Atlantic. Health resorts origins, social characteristics, architectural and landscape designs, visitor activities and perceptions, mechanical innovations aand relationships to transportation phenomena characteristics of British seaside resorts were largely emulated by subsequent institutions in North America. To date it appears that America scholars have been slow to recognize the extent of this cultural debt. |
