Why did wealthier visitors to New York's Catskill Mountains begin to develop gated communities in the late nineteenth century?

Wealthier visitors to New York's Catskill Mountains began developing gated communities in the late nineteenth century primarily to create exclusive retreats that offered privacy and security away from urban life. These communities were designed to cater to affluent families seeking leisure, fresh air, and natural beauty, fostering a sense of social status and community among the elite. The rise of the leisure class and the growing accessibility of transportation made these retreats increasingly popular, leading to the establishment of luxurious summer homes in a controlled environment.