Cooperstown was founded by William Cooper in the late 18th Century. Since it was founded, the town has always been an agricultural town, and its residents today would like to keep it that way. Because of that, industrialization and build up in the area has never been introduced much. Because of the beautiful surroundings in and around Cooperstown, it became a summer retreat during the 19th Century. Located next to Lake Otsego, it drew a lot of residents of cities, mainly New York, who would come to get away from the city for the summer. Many historic buildings and homes were build during this time, and some are still standing. You can even visit some of them. Because of the interests of the Clark family, an effort was made to keep the pristine beauty of the town intact, and that has lasted today. In 1911, the Otesaga Hotel was built on the shore of Lake Otsego. This became a popular choice for tourists, and is now considered a historic hotel. The biggest tourists drawer of the city, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, was built in Cooperstown in 1939. Since then it has attracted nearly 300,000 tourists a year. Still, even with all of the tourists that visit the small town, especially during the summer, it has maintained a small town atmosphere that is loved by so many.