Swan Pond
Not many years ago the Thousand Islands, like the Adirondacks, were not considered of much value, except as a great hunting and fishing ground. In 1822 a boundary line and division of the Island Region was agreed upon between United States and Canadian authorities. The line runs in a zigzag course to avoid crossing any of the islands, so there is not an island owned in common by Canada and the United States.
In 1823, Elisha Camp bought the entire group from the United States and, subsequently divided them up and resold them. The demand for islands was very limited until in 1872 George M. Pullman, the rail car magnate, invited President Grant and General Sherman, their families and a few friends to be his guests and spend a week among the islands. The islands and main shore swarmed with newspaper correspondents and all classes of people from every part of the country; public receptions were given by both Grant and Sherman and from that time on there was great demand for islands.
In the early 1890's, George Boldt, the famous New York City hotelier, visited the Thousand Islands and was so impressed by the beauty of the region that he decided to build a summer home here. It was not to be an ordinary summer home; it was a gift for his wife Louise—a monument to his love for her. Boldt bought Hart Island from E. K. Hart. Romantically,
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At left, guests of Mr. Boldt leave the big city behind and enjoy the beauty of the Thousand Islands as they stroll a shady path viewing rare ducks and waterfowl swimming in the Swan Pond.
Erected by Thousand Islands Bridge Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 44° 20.647′ N, 75° 55.408′ W. Marker is on Heart Island, New York, in Jefferson County. Marker is on the Boldt Castle grounds, only accessible by boat as it sits on Heart Island in the Saint Lawrence River. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria Bay NY. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria Bay NY 13607, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alster Tower & Peristyle (within shouting distance of this marker); Yacht House & Wellesley Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Entrance (within shouting distance of this marker); The Seaway
Also see . . . Boldt Castle History. (Submitted on November 22, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
