george c. boldt yacht house

Historical Homes

• Jun 15, 2020

Abandoned for Over 70 Years, Historic Boldt Castle Has Been Restored. Photos Inside!

Boldt Castle is a major landmark and tourist attraction in the Thousand Islands region of the U.S. state of New York . Open to guests seasonally between mid May and mid October, it is located on Heart Island in the Saint Lawrence River . Heart Island is part of the Town of Alexandria , in Jefferson County . Originally a private mansion built by American millionaire George Boldt, it is today maintained by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority as a tourist attraction. Photos via Boldt Castle Facebook, Instagram, website, and Wikipedia.

History of the Castle From Boldt Castle Website

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 rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island.  The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, 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.

In January 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to immediately “stop all construction.” Louise 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.

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.

Today, Boldt Castle is accessible by ferry, private boat, or by tour boat from Alexandria Bay, New York , Clayton, New York , Gananoque, Ontario , Rockport, Ontario , and Ivy Lea, Ontario . Most of the grounds and buildings can be explored by the public for a fee. The boat-owning public may also dock at Heart Island for free. There is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office (wood structure manned by single customs officer on Heart Island, and visitors coming from Canada require appropriate identification, as visiting the island is considered entering the United States.

The Castle Today

As of 2011, most of the rooms on the first floor, and many of the rooms on the second floor of Boldt Castle are furnished, but mostly with modern pieces. The basement is mostly unfinished, with a pool, bowling lanes, many compartments, and a long passage to the Power House. Most of the rooms from the second floor to the top floor have been left unfurnished, but there are exhibits in some of these rooms and corridors, showing pictures and artifacts of the Thousand Islands region during the era in which the Boldts lived. These rooms are also left unfurnished to give the visitor an opportunity to imagine what the castle looked like before modern improvement. At the edge of the island, a monument stone triumphal arch, originally intended by George Boldt to be the entrance way for boats, has been fully restored. The bridge connecting the two sides would have been raised and lowered as required.

Before/After Grand Hall

Grand Staircase

Upstairs Bedroom

Stained Glass Dome

Two other buildings on the island are the Power House and the Alster Tower; both are open to the public. The Power House was built to hold a generator to supply the island with power, and now is more of a museum of how electric power was obtained in the early 1900s, as well as a few stories of getting tools and equipment to Heart Island during the castle's construction. The Alster Tower was purposely constructed with slanting and uneven walls, ceilings, and roofs.

Alster Tower

Power House

The George C. Boldt Yacht House on nearby Wellesley Island is unique, warranting a visit by means of a shuttle boat connecting it to Heart Island. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

More Interior Rooms

Gardens & Exterior

The 1969 children's novel Secret Castle by Anne Colver is about the castle and Alexandria Bay.

Nimbus Pulications also has a book, Boldt Castle , that tells more about the history of the estate as well.

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Boldt Castle: A Captivating Gem on Heart Island

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Boldt Castle: The Architectural Marvel on Heart Island

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Thousand Islands region of New York State, Boldt Castle stands as a majestic and awe-inspiring landmark that captures the hearts of countless visitors each year. Set upon the beautiful Heart Island in the town of Alexandria Bay, this architectural gem graces the shimmering waters of the Saint Lawrence River, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of grandeur and opulence.

Boldt Castle opens its doors to guests from mid-May through mid-October. Stepping onto Heart Island following a short ferry ride, visitors are transported to a world steeped in history as they tour the castle full of captivating stories.

Step into History: Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Boldt Castle

Originally conceived as a private mansion and a testament to love, Boldt Castle was commissioned by the American millionaire, George Boldt. With its regal turrets and intricate stonework, the castle embodies the vision of a man whose affluence and passion were matched only by his unyielding devotion to his wife.

Today, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority meticulously maintains Boldt Castle as a tourist attraction. Visitors from near and far are invited to explore its grand halls, lush gardens, and hidden nooks, each filled with the echoes of a love story that transcends time. As the castle continues to captivate and inspire, it remains a cherished symbol of the Thousand Islands region’s rich history.

Building a Dream: The Extraordinary Construction of Boldt Castle

George Boldt, the general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, along with his family, spent their summers at their expansive, charming frame cottage on Hart Island, the island’s original name. In the early 1900s, George Boldt embarked on an awe-inspiring construction endeavor to create one of the largest private homes in the United States – a monumental, six-story masonry castle that would stand as a testament to his devotion to his wife.

The esteemed architectural firm G. W. & W. D. Hewitt was enlisted for the construction of his vision, and hundreds of laborers set to work. Boldt Castle was accompanied by four other remarkable masonry structures on the island, each an architectural marvel. The opulence extended to neighboring Wellesley Island, where the Boldts owned a vast estate complete with another summer home, farms, canals, a golf course, tennis courts, stables, and a polo field. A large yacht house, a testament to the Boldts’ lavish lifestyle, also adorned the island.

Love, Loss, and Abandonment

However, tragedy struck in early 1904 with the untimely death of Boldt’s beloved wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. Heartbroken, Boldt ceased construction of the castle and never returned to Heart Island, though he continued to spend summers in the Thousand Islands region until his death in 1916. For 73 years, Boldt Castle and the other magnificent stone structures lay abandoned, exposed to the ravages of harsh winter weather and the destruction of occasional vandals.

Preserving the Past

In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart Island and the nearby yacht house for just one dollar. The agreement stipulated that all revenue generated from the castle’s operation would be directed towards restoration, preserving the island for future generations to cherish. Boldt Castle made its debut in 1979, serving as a backdrop for the movie Fear No Evil.

Over the next five decades, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority invested nearly $15 million in restoration and improvements, with work continuing annually. While the initial goal was to restore the island to its state at the time of construction’s halt, ongoing enhancements have surpassed that aim. The castle now boasts a restored stained glass dome, a marble floor, intricate grand staircase woodwork, a butler’s pantry, and opulent maid’s and servant’s dining rooms, as well as a fully restored kitchen. As of 2023, over $50 million has been dedicated to the meticulous restoration and rehabilitation of Boldt Castle and its surrounding structures, ensuring that the extraordinary structures continues to captivate the hearts and imaginations of visitors for generations to come.

A Gateway to Grandeur

Today, Boldt Castle welcomes visitors to embark on a journey across the tranquil waters of the Saint Lawrence River, accessible by ferry, private vessel, or one of the many tour boats operating from Alexandria Bay, New York, Clayton, New York, Gananoque, Ontario, Rockport, Ontario, and Ivy Lea, Ontario. A sense of wonder and anticipation fills the air as guests set foot on Heart Island, ready to explore the grandeur of the grounds and buildings.

Private boaters are granted the privilege of docking at Heart Island free of charge, while Boldt Castle further serves as a Port of Entry, complete with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office on the island. Canadian visitors must present appropriate identification, as setting foot on Heart Island is considered entering the United States.

Step into Elegance: Exploring the Rooms of Boldt Castle

The meticulously restored and beautifully furnished rooms on the first and second floors of Boldt Castle provide a wonderful atmosphere for guests. The second floor is home to the gift store, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, as well as a theatre that showcases a 16-minute introductory video delving into the life of George Boldt and the remarkable history of Boldt Castle.

While the third and fourth floors remain largely unfurnished, they house interesting exhibits featuring photographs and original artifacts from the Gilded Age, offering visitors a glimpse into the Boldts’ lavish lifestyle in the Thousand Islands region. Several rooms have been intentionally left unfurnished, inviting guests to imagine the castle’s appearance prior to the restoration efforts undertaken by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority.

Boldt Castle’s basement remains largely unfinished, featuring a pool, numerous compartments, and a tunnel passage leading to the Power House. At the edge of the island, an imposing peristyle archway stands, envisioned as the original entrance for boats to Heart Island. The bridge connecting the two sides would have been designed to be raised and lowered as needed, further accentuating the castle’s unique design.

The Many Other Structures on Heart Island

Situated on the eastern edge of Heart Island, the Power House stands as a testament to early 20th-century ingenuity. This building was specifically designed to house a generator capable of supplying the entire island with power through a steam generation system. Exhibits within the Power House provide a fascinating insight into how electricity was harnessed in the early 1900s, while also showcasing a display of historic photographs depicting the construction of Boldt Castle and the surrounding Thousand Islands region. Though nearly destroyed by a devastating fire in the 1930s, the Power House was one of the first restoration projects undertaken by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority after acquiring the property in 1977.

Drawing inspiration from a Rhineland defense tower in Germany, the Alster Tower was purposefully crafted with slanting and uneven walls, ceilings, and roofs, lending it a striking, one-of-a-kind appearance. Situated on the island’s southern side, overlooking Alexandria Bay, this architectural marvel houses a two-lane bowling alley and a stage for performances.

On nearby Wellesley Island, the George C. Boldt Yacht House stands proudly as the sole remaining wooden yacht house structure of its kind. The interior boasts lavish living quarters and an impressive collection of antique and wooden boats. For an additional admission fee, visitors can journey via shuttle from Heart Island to the Yacht House on Wellesley Island to see these exhibits. In recognition of its historical significance, the Yacht House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The allure of Boldt Castle and the charm of Alexandria Bay have not gone unnoticed in popular culture. The 1969 children’s novel “Secret Castle” by Anne Colver masterfully weaves a tale centered around the enchanting castle and the picturesque bay, capturing the imagination of readers of all ages.

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Boldt Castle & Yacht House

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Visit this extraordinary castle built by George C. Boldt.

New York’s Thousand Isles once served as a playground for wealthy and famous families. Boldt saw it as the prime location for the castle he envisioned to build for his family. The project started in the 1900s with the help of thousands of workers, but he immediately suspended construction upon the death of his wife. It wasn’t until 70 years later that the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought out the property and restored it. The castle is located on Heart Island and includes 120 rooms, a drawbridge, tunnels, and the iconic Alster Tower (serving as a children’s playhouse). 

The Boldt Castle is only accessible by boat. You can book local tour boats or take a personal craft to dock near these sites. Both the castle and yacht house are open seasonally from early May to early October. Hours of operation are 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Tickets are required to tour the Boldt castle and yacht house. This is a unique place that children and adults of all ages can enjoy.

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Fit for a king: Boldt Castle blends grandeur, history and nature

The tall spires of Boldt Castle rise up like a cathedral and soar above the sparkling turquoise waters of the St. Lawrence River.

That’s the view thousands of visitors are treated to annually when they dock to visit the castle located in the Thousand Islands region near the Canadian border. They come to stroll through the Italian gardens, wander up and down the grand marble staircase, and admire the many hearts carved into wood, stone and plaster scattered throughout the six-story structure.

Visiting the castle is definitely worth driving more than two hours north on Interstate 81 to Alexandria Bay and catching a boat over to Heart Island, where the castle is located.

Boldt Castle is named after George C. Boldt, a Prussian immigrant who made his fortune in the hotel business. Although he started as a kitchen worker, he quickly rose through the ranks because of his strong work ethic and his commitment to customer service.

Boldt is credited with creating room service at hotels and coining the phrase, “The customer is always right.” One of the hotels he ran was the luxurious Waldorf Astoria in New York City, which catered to the rich during the Gilded Age and helped make Boldt a multimillionaire, according to a history of Boldt Castle done by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority that operates the castle.

Boldt, his wife Louise and their two children visited the Thousand Islands region of upstate New York one summer and fell in love with the beauty of the area. Boldt decided to build a castle on Heart Island as a symbol of his love for his wife. Construction began in 1900 with some 300 workers hired to build the 120-room structure.

Then, tragedy struck in 1904. Louise died suddenly. Boldt was so brokenhearted that he sent a telegram to the workers on the island, urging them to drop their tools and stop work immediately. He never visited the island again.

The castle, which was close to completion but not quite finished, sat empty for 73 years. Weather, vandals who scribbled graffiti on its walls and the passage of time took a toll on the structure. Then, in 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took over the building and began restoring it. Nearly 40 years and millions of dollars later, restoration work on the castle continues.

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A grand building

The castle is an imposing structure with turrets and towers rising toward the sky, wide balconies where the Boldts could catch some fresh air and watch the boats floating past, and long, narrow windows that let the sun stream in. You may want to pause on the stone porch and catch your breath before walking inside.

Inside, there’s a huge marble staircase leading upstairs. At the bottom of the stairs and above a large marble fireplace is a gold-framed wedding portrait of Louise Boldt. She married a few months before her 16th birthday and died at age 42 after 26 years of marriage.

A portrait of George C. Boldt hangs in the billiards room. He and his friends would have enjoyed shooting pool here, smoking cigars and talking business.

There’s also a ballroom and a formal dining room set for 18 people. A glittering gold chandelier hangs overhead. The dining room leads to an outdoor space with a huge stone fireplace for barbecues.

Visitors to the castle could wait inside the reception room, which features a white marble fireplace and a mirror hanging above it. The white-trimmed reception room features some elaborate carvings including a fleur de lis , leaves and a sphinx.

Boldt and his wife were looking forward to curling up with a good book in the library, which features a black marble fireplace, rows of bookcases lined with books and gold-framed pictures hanging on the walls.

On the second floor is the castle’s gift shop, a small theater that continuously shows a short video about the castle and the life of George Boldt, and the bedrooms of the Boldt family. George C. Boldt’s suite features a portrait of Louise over his bed while his wife’s bedroom suite is trimmed in white. Louise Boldt could step onto a balcony every morning to watch the sun rise and the boats sailing past on the St. Lawrence River.

A large stained-glass dome decorates the ceiling of the castle, which gives the building the look and feel of a cathedral.

The third floor features some exhibits on the history of the Gilded Age. There’s an observation deck on the fifth floor that gives visitors a view of the sun sparkling on the river and the ornate gardens down below.

Be sure to stroll through the gardens. Many of the flowers blooming have been planted in the shape of a heart in honor of the island’s name, Heart Island, and Louise Boldt’s birthday, Valentine’s Day. Water bubbles through a marble fountain.

The dove cote, which housed a water tank and doves above it, still stands near the castle. Alster Tower, often called the playhouse since plans called for installing a bowling alley and billiard room there, is still being renovated and not open to visitors yet. Don’t forget to check out the entry arch, which features two life-sized statues of deer, the gazebo and the power house, which supplied power to the island.

Getting there is half the fun

The only way to get to Boldt Castle is by boat. Private boats are welcome but most people take a tour boat. Most tours last one or two hours and take visitors through the Canadian parts of the river as well as the American ones. Sometimes the only way to tell which country you are in is by checking out what flags are waving in the breeze: either Old Glory or the Canadian Maple Leaf. But there is no need for a passport because you never leave the boat and go ashore.

A recent two-hour boat tour began about one minute to 2 p.m., the scheduled time of departure. A bell rang. Then the boat’s engines roared to life, trembling underfoot. Next, the horn blared, loud enough to startle a few people on the top deck of the boat. Then the boat slowly backed out of the dock and began to cruise through the water — so clear that visitors saw tiny fish swimming near the dock prior to departure.

Strict anti-dumping laws help keep the river clean and clear in most places. Plenty of people could be seen swimming and jumping into the clear, warm water on a hot day last month. The water appears almost sky blue in some places, green in other places and turquoise blue in still other places depending on how the trees and the sunlight reflects on it.

This is a smooth, gentle ride along the river. Don’t worry about getting seasick because the boat moves way too slowly to kick up any turbulence. Water laps gently against the side of the boat, sea gulls cry as they fly overhead, and the wind occasionally blows hats off some of the visitors. Nobody lost their hat in the water, though.

You’ll sail past numerous islands. One of the largest islands holds a 9-hole golf course, while the smallest one — Tom Thumb — has just enough room for one tree and one juniper bush. Despite its name, the Thousand Islands actually has a total of 1,864 islands.

You will see plenty of fancy houses and mansions on Millionaires' Row, which has been home to the rich and famous for more than a century. Other islands have no structures at all on them.

Visitors will pass under the Thousand Islands Bridge, which connects the United States with Canada. Above them, a steady line of traffic rumbles over the bridge.

The boat tours drop people off at Heart Island before heading back to Alexandria Bay. Shuttles carry visitors back and forth every half hour until closing time.

Just be careful to get on the right boat when you are ready to return to shore. Check to see if there’s an American flag or a Canadian one flying on the back of the boat. Otherwise, it’s a long swim back from Canada.

• Where: Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay

• Miles: 173 miles from Binghamton; 152 miles from Ithaca; 189 miles from Elmira

• How to get there: Take Interstate 81 north to Exit 50 for Alexandria Bay. Get on Route 12 north and stay on it for about 4 miles. Take a left at the first light to get to Church Street / Route 26 in Alexandria Bay. Follow Church Street for about three blocks and take a right onto James Street, which ends at the dock.

• Website: boldtcastle.com

• Telephone: (315) 482-9724

• Kid friendly? Strollers OK? Yes

• Special advice: Bring a sweater or light jacket, preferably one with a hood. The boat tour of the river can get windy and chilly in some places, even on a warm day.

Allow yourself enough time to visit the castle and other buildings on the island — at least two to three hours. You could literally spend all day here and still find it hard to leave because it’s such a beautiful place.

The walk up to the castle from the dock is a little steep. Most of the island is flat and easy to walk around.

You can bring a picnic lunch and eat at several picnic areas or buy your lunch from the concession stand. The island also has bathroom facilities and a gift shop.

• Disabled access: There is an elevator inside the castle. The brick-lined paths around the island are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. We saw one woman rolling along the paths in her wheelchair and were pleased to see that this beautiful spot is available for everybody to enjoy.

• Dates/hours open: Boldt Castle is open every day from mid-May through mid-October. From now until Sept. 25, the castle is open from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Hours change to 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. from Sept. 26 through Oct. 10. It will be open until 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 and Oct. 9. The castle will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Oct. 11-16, the last day the castle will be open this season.

• Admission costs: Tickets for visiting the castle cost $9 for adults ages 13 and up, $6 for children ages 6 through 12 and no charge for children ages 5 and under. Tickets for visiting George C. Boldt’s yacht house cost $5 for those 13 and older and $3 for children ages 6 through 12. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets for visiting both the castle and the yacht house cost $12 for adults ages 13 and up, $7 for children ages 6 through 12 and no charge for children 5 and under.

The ticket prices don’t include the cost of a boat trip to the island which is only accessible by boat. Boat companies include Uncle Sam Boat Tours ( www.unclesamboattours.com ) and Clayton Island Tours ( www.claytonislandtours.com )

• Overnight stay possibilities: Some options for an overnight stay overlooking the river include the Riveredge Resort, Capt. Thompson’s Resort and the Rock Ledge Motel.

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George C. Boldt Yacht House

New York USA

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George C. Boldt Yacht House is an historic yacht house located on the northeast shore of Wellesley Island near Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County, New York. It was commissioned by George Boldt as a principal dependency of Boldt Castle. The yacht house was designed by the Philadelphia architects G. W. & W. D. Hewitt and built in 1903. It is a massive, eclectic, Shingle-style structure composed of five elements, which are: a circular tower containing reception rooms, a central group of three yacht bays, a large east yacht bay, a combination office and storage wing with a crenelated tower, and a large caretaker's residence. The yacht house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. On display in the yacht house is the steam yacht Kestrel, as well as various other vintage boats, a number of which are on loan from the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York. View of the yacht house

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Renovations

Boldt castle improvement projects continue.

The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, owners of historic Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House continues with its progression of improvements at the Boldt Castle Facilities. Visitors continue to enjoy the restorations made to the properties and the structures over the years. Staff works continuously on both upkeep and restoration of these facilities.

Boldt Facilities Rehabilitation Projects:

The Channel Side Fountain located on the south facing side of Heart Island was completed as the 2023 season wrapped up. This water display was not a previously existing part of the Heart Island structures but plans for a fountain in this location were in the original construction blueprints. Boldt Castle Craftsmen began construction of the fountain by demolishing and leveling a raised flowerbed that was in the location of the original fountain footprint. A concrete slab was poured, and water systems were installed to mimic cascading waterfalls when in operation. The focal point of the fountain is a 3’ x 4’ oval adorned with 19 th Century Venetian style dolphins and a “B” representing George Boldt’s insignia. All exterior granite masonry used on the fountain was found onsite at Heart Island and hand cut. If you look closely, you may even see a granite heart hiding in the stonework! This additional display adds a tranquil element to the visitor experience and provides another idyllic photo opportunity for guests.

Boldt Castle Craftsmen continue their extensive work on the Alster Tower Café. A new exterior entrance door for the Café has been put in place. Staff installed laminated glass in the seven new oak window frames built in the Boldt Landing shop and have installed the windows. A large curved oak interior top pocket door from one of the main entrances into the Café was restored. Work also began on the original mechanical system to operate the pocket door. The scissor-type hardware and the door were reinstalled.

The room’s interior was framed followed by the installation of tile backer board and plaster board. Subfloor was placed and the installation of the unique gutter system was completed. Over the years, Alster Tower’s stone exterior received widespread improvements including repoint, epoxying, grouting and water sealing. Despite these numerous updates, water is still absorbed through the facade and leaks into the interior. Craftsmen developed a gutter system that sheds all water that enters the ceiling to the exterior walls and basement. This greatly reduces the amount of water damage and repairs required to the Tower. Ceiling framing has been completed and interior walls were built and installed. Decorative ceiling panels were installed over the framing. Period fixtures including lights, sinks and plumbing equipment have been selected for the Café. Some winter work has included the restoration of the original ice box and general millwork for the Café. Restoration also began on the original cook stove hood. Craftsmen began work on a custom maple frame and support for the cast iron sink and also produced a maple worktable for the display space.

Original, but damaged wall tiles found in the room were duplicated by a local artisan. The five different Dutch-inspired scenes include ships, windmills and picturesque villages. These 6×6” tiles will be installed along the chair rail above the wall tile.

Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for the Boldt Facilities began in September 2019 and was wrapped up in the late fall of 2020. While this is not an update visible to the public, this new plant will replace the old system and streamline waste removal from the Island through a more efficient and sanitary process better suited for the high volume of visitors received by the Castle and Yacht House.

Boldt Yacht House: Located directly across the water from Boldt Castle on Wellesley Island is the magnificent Boldt Yacht House. First opened to the public in 1996 by the Authority, the Boldt Yacht House is the last and largest remaining Yacht House on the St. Lawrence River. The Boldt Yacht House contains many antique boats, some of which were originally owned by George C. Boldt. The year 2009 witnessed the arrival of the steam yacht Kestrel, built in 1892 and donated to the Boldt Yacht House by Mr. John Luhrs of Luhrs Marine. Kestrel is 63’ long with a 12 ½’ beam and typifies the steam yachts of George Boldt’s era.

The first floor living quarters of the Boldt Yacht House are also open for viewing providing visitors with an exceptional experience as they tour this very special river landmark. The Boldt Yacht House contains antique boats, many displays, signs and pictures of boating and yachting on the St. Lawrence River. The Boldt Facilities work closely with the Antique Boat Museum to exhibit a collection of antique boats representing a grand era of boating on the St. Lawrence River.

The Yacht House received a significant interior lighting upgrade to enhance the displays and match what would have been installed originally. Black hat lights have been installed with vintage Led bulbs to create the original warm glow of the 1900’s period lighting. Led flood lighting has been installed to illuminate the tall vaulted ceilings.

In addition, the Boldt Facilities is slated to receive a new wastewater treatment plant. This extensive development is projected to be completed in 2020.

During the Authority’s 42 years of ownership of the former Boldt properties on Heart Island and the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island, millions of dollars have been invested in rehabilitation and improvement efforts. At the same time the Boldt Facilities have hosted over 1,100 weddings and have counted over 7 million visitors to these historic properties providing the 1000 Islands International Tourism Industry with a substantial asset and demonstrating the Authority’s long-term commitment to improve and preserve these landmark properties for present and future generations to enjoy.

Past Renovation Projects:

In the past years numerous improvements have been accomplished, including rehabilitation of the Power House, Dove Cote, Heart Island Gazebo, Alster Tower, the Boldt Castle Yacht House, the main castle, and the Heart Island Entry Arch which is adorned with three, seven-foot tall stags (or deer) which are symbolic of the Boldt family crest.

The most recent improvements and completions to the main castle include George and Louise Boldt’s and daughter Clover’s Bedroom Suites located on the second floor of Boldt Castle. Past interior projects that have been completed include the Dining Room, Ballroom, Library, Billiards Room, Reception Room, installation of the Boldt Castle Elevator, completed Grand Stair Case and the Stained Glass Dome in the upper ceiling.

Another feature to Heart Island is the completely restored overlook, consisting of an elaborate 170-foot granite retaining wall on the island’s terraced grounds. The retaining wall and overlook are reinforced poured concrete punctuated with turrets and faced with native granite stone.

The Boldt Castle Theatre is located on the second floor of the Castle. Guests are invited to watch a new short movie on the life and times of George C. Boldt, Boldt Castle and the 1000 Islands.

The Hennery or “Dove-Cote” Before & After:

The Grand Staircase & Hallway Before & After:

George Boldt’s Bedroom Before & After:

Gazebo Renovation Before & After:

The Powerhouse Restoration Before & After:

Web site courtesy of the: Thousand Islands Bridge Authority / Boldt Castle PO Box 428, Collins Landing Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

In Season: 315-482-9724 Off Season: 315-482-2501

Coordinates: +44° 20' 40.29" N, -75° 55' 21.27" W

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Mcconnell mansion museum, mcconnell house.

• Location: Moscow Idaho Regional Essays: Idaho Latah County Architect: William McConnell Types: single-family dwellings boardinghouses historic house museums (buildings) bay windows brackets (structural elements) Styles: Italianate (North American architecture styles) Eastlake Materials: clapboard siding millwork aluminum (metal)

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Wendy R. McClure, " McConnell Mansion Museum ", [ Moscow , Idaho ], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/ID-01-057-0001-01 . Last accessed: March 19, 2024.

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In 1886, entrepreneur William E. McConnell began building a two-story house, sunken garden, small carriage house, and barn for his family on an entire block in the Fort Russell neighborhood. Like other early Fort Russell residents, McConnell sited the house on the block’s most prominent corner, the intersection of Second and Adams streets, to showcase its eyecatching design and position his family at the center of Moscow’s social life.

The house reflects an eclectic blend of Victorian-era architectural styles including Eastlake, Italianate, and Gothic Revival. Rather than engage an architect, McConnell likely used plans from a pattern book and worked with a carpenter to integrate elements and detailing from the three styles. The resulting cohesive design made a unique statement in the fledgling city.

On the exterior, characteristically vertical proportions are expressed in several ways. Three two-story bays capped with slender gable roofs define its signature massing; windows and doors on each facade are correspondingly tall and narrow. As viewed from intersecting sidewalks and streets, verticality is further amplified by the site itself, which slopes steeply upward toward the house. Exterior ornamentation is extensive: decorative brackets support window bays and roof overhangs, and gable ends feature highly articulated wood ornamentation. Although the original clapboard siding has been replaced with metal siding, gable ends continue to display cedar shingles with sawtooth imbrication.

Both the spatial organization and interior detailing reflect a combination of Victorian-era influences. The original ground-floor plan featured front and rear parlors separated by wood sliding doors, a dining room, kitchen, pantry, and servant’s quarters. Four bedrooms and children’s playrooms were housed on the second floor. High ceiling heights prevail throughout the house. Windows feature interior wooden shutters (made in San Francisco) that serve to further accent vertical proportions in each room.

Consistent with the later Victorian era, appearance rather than quality weighed heavily McConnell’s decisions regarding finishes. Interior detailing was largely crafted from Moscow’s limited pallet of available materials. Locally prevalent fir and pine were used for interior millwork and flooring; the inexpensive wood was then painted with graining to create the appearance of more costly hardwoods. Similarly, the steel-backed fireplace in the back parlor was embellished with a thin veneer of Vermont marble bordered by gold leaf and black onyx trim.

The family fell into financial hard times following McConnell’s two-term governorship and the financial panic of 1893, during which he was forced to declare bankruptcy and close his downtown department store. To avoid losing the property, McConnell’s wife declared it an official homestead. The bank took ownership of the house in 1897 and it remained vacant until 1901, when it was purchased by William Adair, one of the community’s first physicians. Since the house was larger than his family required, Adair rented rooms to local entrepreneurs and university faculty. Frederic Church, a European history professor who, at one time, rented a room in the house, later purchased the building as his own single-family residence. The barn was sold and converted to a single-family residence in 1926. Church bequeathed the house to the Latah County Historical Society upon his death in 1966.

Since 1968 the house has served as both headquarters and museum for the Latah County Historical Society (LCHS). It provides one of the best remaining examples of Italianate and Eastlake architecture in the state of Idaho. Though compromised by some unfortunate decisions surrounding its ongoing maintenance, such as use of metal replacement siding, the McConnell House continues to communicate a significant architectural presence while serving in its adapted role as a museum.

Doyon, Annie, and Kathryn Burke-Hise, “Fort Russell Neighborhood Historic District,” Latah County, Idaho. National Register of Historic Places District Boundary Increase and Additional Documentation, 2015. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C.

Monroe, J. Moscow: Living and Learning on the Palouse . Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2003.

Otness, L. A Great Good Country: A Guide to Historic Moscow and Latah County, Idaho . Moscow, ID: Local History Paper # 8, Latah County Historical Society, 1983.

Renk, Nancy. “W.E. McConnell House,” Latah County, Idaho. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, 1974. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C.

Writing Credits

• Location: Moscow, Idaho Regional Overviews: Latah County Architect: William McConnell Types: single-family dwellings boardinghouses historic house museums (buildings) bay windows brackets (structural elements) Styles: Italianate (North American architecture styles) Eastlake Materials: clapboard siding millwork aluminum (metal)

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