Boldt Castle

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The history behind Boldt Castle is both romantic and heartbreaking. Basically, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City*, wanted to display the great love he had for his wife Louise. He decided to build a full size rhineland castle on Heart Island of the Thousand Islands section of the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria Bay, NY.

George C. Boldt*

Beginning in 1900, Boldt and his family spent four summers in the Alster Tower on the island while 300 workers were constructing the 6 story, 120 room castle*. Sadly, the Boldts happiness quickly ended when Louise suddenly passed away during the construction in January of 1904. George was so distraught that he immediately ceased all construction and never set foot on the property again. It has been said the workers dropped their tools where they stood and that's where they remained.

Son George Jr., Daughter Clover, Wife Louise*

Since then, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority have spent millions of dollars in rehabilitating the castle* and it's other structures to there luster after sitting unkempt for 73 years in the elements of the Northern New York winters, rain, wind, and vandals. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977 including the castles Yacht House that sits off of Wellesley Island.

Grand Stairway Before And After*

I like Boldt Castle and the story for so many reason's. Having the opportunity of visiting the castle in 2009 was a dream come true for me. One dream I will never forget for both the memories of seeing it's beauty in person, and the long lasting photos I took while there.

*Source
Boldt Castle Website

Leopard Geckos

I like them because they're cute, their too slow to run away, and they can't jump out of the tank.