Boldt Castle
The Story of Love
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| Boldt Castle |
Millionaires such as Frederick Boure (Singer sewing machine company),
Charles Emery (tobacco tycoon) and
George C. Boldt (CEO of Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC)
bought their own private islands.
They built castles as vacation homes back in the early 1900s
in the Thousand Islands Region between the
United States and Canada.
This was the summer vacation playground of the rich.
George Charles Boldt and his family started vacationing in the
Alexandria Bay Area just slightly on the American border back in 1893.
In 1895 George obtained Heart Island (formly Hart Island).
His family would spend their summers in the 1000 islands at their Wellesley House.
Alexandria Bay Area just slightly on the American border back in 1893.
In 1895 George obtained Heart Island (formly Hart Island).
His family would spend their summers in the 1000 islands at their Wellesley House.
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| Alster Tower Playhouse |
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| Power House/ Clock Tower |
In 1899, George loved the area so much he decided to build a Rhineland style castle for
the love of his life Louise, his princess whom had
supported him in every task he took on.
He was determined to present her
the 6 story 120 room castle on Valentine’s Day,
her birthday in 1904.
This would have been one of the largest private residences in America.
the love of his life Louise, his princess whom had
supported him in every task he took on.
He was determined to present her
the 6 story 120 room castle on Valentine’s Day,
her birthday in 1904.
This would have been one of the largest private residences in America.
In January 1904, nearly 5 years after construction began.
The castle was almost done when tragedy struck.
At 41 years of age, Louise suddenly died from a heart aliment.
The castle was almost done when tragedy struck.
At 41 years of age, Louise suddenly died from a heart aliment.
Boldt telegraphed the Island to immediately
stop all construction.
Heartbroken George
never returned to the island and
died in 1916 in his room at the Waldorf Astoria.
stop all construction.
Heartbroken George
never returned to the island and
died in 1916 in his room at the Waldorf Astoria.
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| Alster Tower Playhouse at Boldt Castle |
For 73 years, the castle and the 12 stone structures
were never finished.
In 1977 the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority
acquired the property.
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| Boldt Castle and Grounds |
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| Boldt Castle |
Today boat tours from the U.S. and Canada stop
at Heart Island. Check the hours and season. We were 3 weeks too early to dock and tour.
So we’ll definetly make another trip
to tour the inside of Boldt Castle
when the weather is warmer.
The boat ride is excellent and full of information.
This area is truly a tourist paradise!
Be sure to take 2 forms of ID or a passport
as the boat rides you in between
two countries and you will need it to
disembrack off the boat.
as the boat rides you in between
two countries and you will need it to
disembrack off the boat.
Enjoying The Journey,
Boldt Castle
1 Heart Island
Alexandria Bay, NY 1360
In Season Tel: 315-482-9724
Off Season Tel: 315-482-2501
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