Grand Entrance
The most desirable orientation on the island has always been toward the main channel on the Southwest side and the Village of Alexandria Bay on the United States mainland. Taking their cue from the layout of the original Hart cottage, the Boldts designed the new castle with major views and entrances from this direction.
The formal approach to Heart Island was also from this direction. Visitors arrived from the mainland at the main dock adjacent to Alster Tower. From this point, they would stroll along stone-walled pathways and gardens, past the gazebo, and arrive at the main entrance to the castle, located at the point you are now standing.
The stones laying about on the ground before you are stair treads, hand-hewn from the granite quarried at nearby Oak Island, and were to be incorporated into the "Grand Entrance Staircase" at this location. The top of the staircase would have entered the porch between the two columns above, where the wall has been omitted. Note the rubble stone work below this area which would have been obscured by the finish[ed] stair construction. Judging from the stair treads in front of you, the bottom step would have been nearly 30 feet wide.
Erected by Thousand Islands Bridge Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
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Location. 44° 20.654′ N, 75° 55.349′ 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. 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. The Seaway (within shouting distance of this marker); Alster Tower & Peristyle (within shouting distance of this marker); Dovecote & Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Swan Pond (within shouting distance of this marker); Yacht House & Wellesley Island (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boldt Castle (about 300 feet away); Power House (about 400 feet away); Cornwall Brothers Store (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Heart Island.
Also see . . . Boldt Castle History. (Submitted on November 23, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 150 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 23, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
