BOLDT CASTLE

We left Burlington and moved to Alexandria Bay, NY.  Just to catch you up, we had planned on going to the Shelburne Museum while there.  I got pretty sick with either a severe sinus infection, bronchitis, or a mild case of the flu and had to stay inside and in bed for 2 days, so that didn't happen. I even used the Teladoc benefit I have through my insurance and did a doctor's visit over the phone so I could get medicine. Thank goodness I started feeling much better pretty quickly once I got meds.  One of the first things we decided to do once we got to Alexandria Bay was visit Boldt Castle.

At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island.  The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife and princess, Louise.

Beginning in 1900, the Boldt family spent summers in the 1000 Islands at the Boldt Families Wellesley House near Mr. Boldt’s Wellesley Island Farms while 300 workers including stonemasons, carpenters, and artists fashioned the six story, 120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, Alster Tower (children’s playhouse) and a dove cote. Not a single detail or expense was spared. The castle was scheduled to be completed on February 14, 1904, Louise's 42nd birthday. 

In January 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to immediately “stop all construction.” Louise, his princess, had died suddenly. A broken-hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love. It was 95% complete.

For 73 years, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, it was decided that through the use of all net revenues from the castle operation it would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring and improving the Heart Island structures. However, graffiti and vandalism are still very visible throughout the castle in rooms that have not yet been restored or completed.  They are doing a great restoration based on the parts that have been completed.  

Power Tower

Welcome Arch

Alster Tower

Dining Room

Kitchen

Ballroom

Library

George Boldt's bedroom

Louise's Bedroom

Their daughter, Clover's, bedroom

I think it is neat that parts of the castle that are still not remodeled are available for the public to tour.

We did the boat tour that was called the Two Nation Tour.  It went down the St. Lawrence River and told a little history of the 1000 Island area.  I had always heard of the 1000 Island area but never knew much about it.  There really are a little over 1800 islands in this area.  But, their interpretation of an island is a lose interpretation.  A piece of land has to be above the water year round and it has to sustain a living tree.  So, it can range from very small to very big. It was a 2 hour tour.

The Mother-in-Law island. George Boldt built it for his MIL. Legend has it that she sleepwalked.  Hmmm, I wonder where he thought she would walk?????

Notice the waterfall.
The owner can turn the waterfall off and on.

Smallest island in the 1000 Islands.  It is called Tom Thumb.

Smallest International Bridge
This couple has their house on the island in Canada. They have chairs, a sitting area, and firepit across the bridge on their island in the US.

We were then dropped off at Heart Island and we found a place along the river to have a picnic lunch. We then toured the castle, took pics, and were went to visit the Boldt Yacht House.  The Yacht House had some pretty cool old, classic boats.  It also had bedrooms and baths upstairs.