A Thousand Islands, One Bold Story

September 01, 2025 • Read in 3 minutes

Dear Hyphenly Readers,

The air is crisp, summer’s on its way out—and yes, we’re already nostalgic. Long hikes, camping trips, and endless games of pickleball (or just learning about it through Sportly)—it’s hard to let go.

This summer, Team Hyphenly headed to the Thousand Islands. Fun fact: it’s the birthplace of Thousand Island dressing.

Another fun fact: there aren’t a thousand islands. There are actually 1,864.

Beyond the postcard views, the region hides stories of smuggling, pirates, and one of America’s most famous immigrant success stories.

Enter Boldt Castle. 

Heart Island, home to Boldt Castle, is as dramatic as it sounds. George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of NYC’s Waldorf Astoria, began building a six-story castle with Italian gardens for his wife, Louise. But in 1904, tragedy struck—Louise died suddenly. Heartbroken, Boldt stopped construction and never returned.

For decades, the half-finished castle stood abandoned until 1977, when it was restored and opened to visitors. Today, you can hop on a boat from Alexandria Bay, tour the castle, and even watch a short documentary about Boldt’s life.

George C. Boldt wasn’t just a man in love—he was a Prussian immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at 13, worked his way from kitchen staff to hotel magnate, and became a generous philanthropist. He donated millions during his lifetime, supported education, and quietly helped employees through hard times. His will urged his children to continue giving back: “It is the duty of every man to give—and to give liberally—during his lifetime.”

Boldt’s castle is a love story, yes. But it’s also an immigrant story worth remembering.

To learn more about the castle and its history, watch this short video:

As we turn the page from summer to fall, we’d love to hear from you: what bold stories have stayed with you lately?

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Hyphenly curates the latest news, art, and businesses from immigrants around the world. Have a tip or story we should feature? We’d love to hear from you.