THE CASTLE AND THE STORY OF LOVE

Louise Augusta Kehrer was born in 1862, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Her father was William Kehrer, the steward of the famous Philadelphia Club.
Louise was only 14 when her father asked George Boldt to work for him. George was 26, and it wasn’t long before love blossomed between them.
They were married on June 14, 1877, and had two children. George Charles Jr, on February 4, 1879, and Louise Clover on October 31, 1883.
When George married Louise, wealthy members of the club assisted them in establishing a small hotel in Philadelphia, the Bellevue. Connection with the Philadelphia elite assured a social cachet, but more importantly Louise Boldt sensed that wives of wealthy husbands wanted to escape from the domestic confinement prevalent at the time. She introduced novel features, such as cut flowers and candles on tables, affording a glamorous, feminine quality.
Louise was George’s constant companion and hostess at their Bellevue Hotel. She knew the hotel business, because of her fathers work, and encouraged her husband in all that he did. The astute lady also played a great part in helping make the world-famous Waldorf Hotel the luxurious wonder that it was in the 1890’s. She was instrumental in the decorating of the hotel, insisting that fresh flowers were left in every room, and that such luxuries as ‘pin-cushions’ were supplied and left on each rooms dresser.
George and Louise Boldt were married for 26 years, and in January of 1904, Louise died at the age of 42. She had been in delicate health for some time prior. George Boldt was so broken-hearted that he halted constuction on the castle and never stepped foot on the island again.
Today Boldt Castle, located near Alexandria Bay, NY in the famed 1000 Islands is once again becoming what it was always meant to be, the premier home and attraction in the region. Whether you are making an annual visit to see what’s new, looking for an affordable family vacation close to home or a couple seeking that romantic getaway, Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House has something for you! In fact, the Castles’ legendary beauty nestled among the St Lawrence Rivers’ 1000 Islands will keep you returning year after year!
The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority (TIBA) welcomes you to tour Boldt Castle to explore and experience an attraction like no other. Construction began on Boldt Castle in 1900 at the bidding of millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his beloved wife Louise. Boldt Castle was designed as their summer dream home. A castle rivaling those of Europe, built on the St. Lawrence River, in the heart of the 1000 Islands. However it was not to be, Mrs. Boldt passed away suddenly just months before the completion of the castle. Mr. Boldt was inconsolable and immediately stopped all construction on Heart Island, leaving the property vacant for over seventy years…
The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority (TIBA), who owns and operates Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House, invite you to explore our website. Here you can glimpse what awaits you at Heart Island. A chance to experience the Boldt’s tragic love story and the magnificence of a bygone era…