Official Boldt Castle Website - Alexandria Bay NY in the Heart of the 1000 Islands

1000 Islands NY tour St. Lawrence River

  • Welcome
  • Visiting
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Rules Of Boldt Facilities
    • Hospitality
    • Photography
  • Virtual Tour
    • Download the Boldt Castle App
    • The Alster Tower
    • The Castle
    • The Castle Interior
    • The Dove-Cote
    • The Entry Arch
    • The Gardens & Grounds
    • The Gazebo
    • The Power House
    • Renovations
    • Kestrel 1892 Steam Yacht
  • Weddings
  • History
  • News & Events
    • Family Discovery Day
    • Independence Day Fireworks
    • Fairytale Adventure
    • Economic Impact in Region
  • Yacht House
  • Downloads
    • Download the Boldt Castle App
    • Literature
    • Photo Gallery
    • Videos
    • Wallpapers
  • Employment

The Power House

0017_Joel_Bedford_Photo-0015Likely one of Boldt Castle’s most photographed structures  is the Power House and Clock Tower. Located on the eastern end of Heart Island, it was designed in the fashion of a Medieval Tower. To date it was one of the Thousand Islands Bridge Authorities largest reconstruction projects after a fire in 1939 severely damaged the building.  Today it stands as George Boldt had originally intended, rising out of the St. Lawrence River from an underwater shoal. Connected to Heart Island by its one of a kind, picturesque, arched stone bridge. While its design is beautiful, it was designed as much for function as fashion. It housed two generators that would supply electricity to the entire island. Unfortunately much of the original equipment has been lost, only a few pieces remain on display. Today there are also photos and displays depicting the lifestyle of the people in the 1000 Islands at the turn-of-the-century.

The two steam generators that were housed here included a dynamo room that would supply electricity via direct current to nearly 500 incandescent lights across the island, and three Otto engines, which connected to a Gould pump that supplied water to the main castle. The cemented floor area was for storing coal, which was likely  the predominate method of fueling engines. Coal was supplied to the building by barge through the threshold that opens to the waterway.

The Waldorf Astoria’s  chief electrician, Fred Shutieib, was charged with installing electricity across the island. The upper level of the Power House would have served as the quarters for the engineers and mechanics.

The original Clock and Chimes Tower were created as a smaller reproduction of the Westminster Chimes in London, England. The silver chimes were purchased from one of the John Wannamaker’s stores and stood between 12 and 14 feet tall. It was said that the chimes played every half hour and that they could be heard for four miles across the river.

The Power House also suffered severe damage after the tile roof was accidentally set ablaze by fireworks in 1939, which left the building exposed to the elements until it restoration in 1990 and also destroyed the chimes and original clock. The restoration involved the installation of tile found in barrels of the castle’s foundation and the creating of a new stone bridge, complete with stairs.

2023 Dates & Hours of Operation:

    Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House

  • May 13 - October 9:

    10:30 AM - 6:30 PM

  • Admissions Booth closes 1 hour prior to Boldt Castle closing.


Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House will remain open until 7:30pm on Independence Day Weekend on Saturday, July 1st and Sunday, July 2nd and will remain open until 7:30pm on Labor Day Weekend on Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd.

For more info: 315.482.9724

Boat tours from both the U.S. and Canada stop at Heart Island. Extensive docking is available for private pleasure craft. A shuttle from Heart Island provides access to the Boldt Castle Yacht House.

Please Note: The Castle does not have climate control. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Keep In Touch!

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Rated #1 Thing To Do!

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

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Thousand Islands Bridge Authority | Boldt Castle · Site Design: Riverside Media, LLC.