Boldt Castle
Louise Boldt, forty-one years old and mother of two, died just as her husband was attaining great wealth and fame. Boldt Castle was built at the turn of the century by multi-millionaire George C. Boldt for his wife, Louise, as a testimony of the unsurpassed love of a man for his wife. In January of 1904 a telegram from George Boldt stopped work on their dream house. Despite millions of dollars spent, he abandoned the project forever.
Boldt invested over $2.5 million to build this replica of a Rhineland castle, bringing in the finest of artists and the most skilled craftsmen for this project. He planned on presenting it to his wife on Valentine’s Day as a monument of his love for her. Work was underway on the eleven buildings that would comprise the castle complex when tragedy struck. In January of 1904 Louise Boldt died, ending the dreams of a lifetime. Heartbroken, Boldt telegrammed his construction crews ordering that all work be stopped. Three hundred workmen dropped their tools and left the island. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving it instead as an unfinished monument of a love story cut short.For 73 years the Castle and the other structures on the island 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 then several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating and restoring the Heart Island structures. The island is now fully accessible to the handicapped, has complete restroom facilities, picnic areas, as well as a food and beverage concession to make your visit more comfortable.
Although Boldt Castle never achieved its intended glory, the shell and grounds are open to day visitors and available for outdoor wedding ceremonies. Receptions must be held elsewhere, and the Riveredge Resort across the bay is a popular venue.
