Tatry i Zakopane w wieku XIX – z badań nad początkami miasta i uzdrowiska .......... 83

THE TATRA MOUNTAINS AND ZAKOPANE IN THE 19TH CENTURY – FROM RESEARCH ON THE BEGINNINGS OF THE TOWN AND SPA

The article addresses the question of the founding of Zakopane, and outlines the history of the town, from a settlement to an important regional centre and spa during the 19th century. It references the earliest mentions of natural resources that can be found in historical chronicles. The paper pays particular attention to geological research initiated by Stanisław Staszic, following in the footsteps of French researchers. The testimony contained in his writings constitutes a rich description of the Tatra trails, landscape, local population, and the terminology Staszic used to designate minerals. Seweryn Goszczyński’s diary, on the other hand, presents a literary vision of the Tatra Mountains. The texts of geologists Ludwik Zejszner, in addition to geological data, present descriptions of the health properties of Podhalan waters. The characteristics of Zakopane and Jaszczurówka as a new climatic and therapeutic station are given in the findings of the Cracow Balneological Commission. Lastly, through source accounts of Tytus Chałubiński and analyses of balneologists, the article traces the transformation of the former village of Zakopane into a modern settlement and town.