Boldt Castle is a castle on the tiny island of Heart Island in the far north of the USFederal state new York.
The castle, built in the early 20th century, with its 120 rooms is one of the largest in the country and the most important attraction in the Thousand Islands-Region. The builder and owner was the millionaire George Boldt (1851-1916), who was born on Rügen, emigrated to the USA as a teenager and later to New York City owned the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
background
George Boldt and his family initially only owned one on Heart Island Cottage, which they expanded considerably over the years. At the beginning of the 20th century, Boldt then prepared the construction of a huge brick building that was to become one of the largest private residences in the country. In addition to the six-story main building, a number of noteworthy outbuildings were built, including the one used for entertainment purposes Alster Tower and a building in which the island's own power plant was housed (Power House). On a neighboring island, where the Boldts owned another vacation home, an impressive one became Yacht House built.
When Boldt's wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt, died unexpectedly in 1904, construction work was abruptly stopped. During the following 73 years, the only half-completed facility was exposed to decay. The castle was only saved when in 1977 the Canadian authorities for the symbolic purchase price of 1 dollar Heart Island and the neighboring island Yacht House and invested more than $ 15 million in the renovation and completion of the castle over the next 20 years.
The construction work is still not finished and an interior is only available in a few rooms so far.
getting there
By plane
The closest airports are the Watertown Regional Airport (ART) in Watertown, the Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) in Ogdensburg and the Normal Rogers Airport (YGK) in Kingston, Ontario. Those who are not afraid of a longer journey can also use Ottawa (150 km), Montreal (230 km), Toronto (320 km) or New York City (560 km) fly in. These airports offer numerous direct connections from Europe.
By train
The closest train station to the Canadian State Railways is in Brockville. On the American side there is a Amtrak-Bahnhof unfortunately only in Syracuse, New York.
By bus
From the American side, the Thousand Islands are not accessible by bus unless you are ready to get in Syracuse, Glens Falls or Burlington get out and continue from there with the rental car. The Canadian Greyhound- However, the company maintains terminals in Kingston and Brockville.
In the street
From the American side you can reach the Thousand Islands z. B. on Interstate Highway 81. On the Canadian side one mostly uses the highway 401, the Toronto With Montreal connects.
Access to the island
If you are from the USA you can go to Alexandria Bay a Tour boat take to the island. The fare also includes the entrance fee to Boldt Castle. The boat departs every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. Also in Clayton there is a corresponding service. There are ferry docks in on the Canadian side Rockport, Gananoque and Ivy Lea. Visitors who moor their own boat can do so for free.
There is an American entry and customs post on Heart Island. Visitors entering from Canada must have identification documents ready.
The facility is only open during the warm season: from May 12th to October 14th daily 10 am–6.30pm, in July and August until 7.30pm, and from 15.-21. October 10 am-3.30pm. Admission US $ 5.75 (children 6-12 US $ 3.50).
shop
There is no shopping on Heart Island. The closest supermarkets are in Alexandria Bay and Gananoque.
kitchen
Unfortunately there is no restaurant on Heart Island. Numerous restaurants can be found in Alexandria Bay. On the Canadian side you can z. B. at
eat.
Incidentally, according to legend, one of Boldt's cooks is supposed to do this Thousand Iceland Dressing invented that is now valued all over the world.
accommodation
You can't stay overnight on Heart Island either. In Alexandria Bay however, there is an abundance of hotels. On the Canadian side, it's best to try Gananoque.
literature
- Roger Lucas: Boldt Castle: Heart Island, Research Review Publications, 1999. ISBN 1887287000
- Paul Malo: Boldt Castle: In Search of the Lost Story, Laurentian Press, 2001. ISBN 0966972902
