Have you ever visited Boldt Castle in the beautiful Thousand Islands?
Have you ever visited Boldt Castle in the beautiful Thousand Islands?
Watch this video to see some of the most beautiful footage I have ever taken.
Castle History: At the turn of the century, George C. Boldt, a wealthy owner of the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, wanted to build a large Rhineland castle on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay. He hoped to create this grand structure as a tribute to his love for his wife, Louise.
In 1900, the Boldt family spent their summers in the Thousand Islands at their Wellesley House, close to Boldt’s Wellesley Island Farms. During this time, 300 workers, including stonemasons, carpenters, and artists, built a six-story, 120-room castle. It featured tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, a children’s playhouse, and a dove cote. Every detail was important, and Boldt spared no expense.
In January 1904, tragedy struck when Louise died suddenly. Heartbroken, Boldt ordered the workers to “stop all construction.” He could not imagine completing the castle without her. After that, Boldt never returned to the island, leaving the unfinished castle as a symbol of his love.
For 73 years, the castle and nearby stone structures faced damage from wind, rain, ice, snow, and vandalism. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought the property and decided to preserve it. They planned to use all earnings from the castle’s operations for this goal.
Since then, several million dollars have been spent to restore and improve the buildings on Heart Island. If you enjoy content like this please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW this page..
Purchase prints from this video production.
