Since the Gilded Age, Thousand Islands has been a picturesque and tranquil vacation spot. These islands are located on the St. Lawrence River and straddle the U.S. and Canadian Border. The requirements for an island are simple: the land has to be able to support a single tree and stay above water all year long.
When the glaciers retreated at the end of the last Ice Age, the tops of an ancient mountain range were revealed and exposed to erosion. They became the islands that we know today, when the St. Lawrence River flooded the region. The Thousand Islands now consist of more than 1,800 islands.
The Thousand Islands archipelago is known for its natural beauty. Some of the islands are not populated and are covered with lush forests: a few of them are reserved for hikers who enjoy being close to nature, while the rest of the uninhabited islands are sanctuaries for the local wildlife. But the rest of the islands are inhabited. Some are so small that they only have space for one cottage and a few trees, while many of the others are known for their beautiful vacation homes, ranging from mansions to castles.
The islands became a popular vacation spot after George M. Pullman, an American engineer famous for creating the Pullman sleeping car, invited President Ulysses S. Grant and 300 other guests to tour his island in 1872. As tourism increased, railroads and steamboats were developed around the area to transport visitors. Over time, many of these visitors settled down and built magnificent summer homes on the islands, which are now major attractions.
These islands were not only homes to tourists. Some of them were used by alcohol smugglers during the American Prohibition era in the 1920s. The small islands, which were covered with trees, provided a natural cover for their ships. It is believed that some smugglers would paint the front and back of their boats two different colors, so people would mistake the smuggler’s ship for a different ship and let it pass.
Thousand Islands was also the location for several battles of the War of 1812, between the U.S. and Canada. On many islands, battle sites and forts remain, marking the history of these conflicts. One of these battlefields is Sacket Harbor, which contains a military fort and boat-building station.
Visitors can take a tour of the islands on the ferries that leave from the many harbors. As soon as visitors get to the dock, they can smell the salty scent of the water, and hear the gentle sound of waves crashing and the soft whir of the boat’s engine. The upper deck provides a clear panoramic view of the islands. During the tour, the boat passes through most of the islands, accompanied by a guide’s commentary. The ferry takes passengers to the islands on the American and Canadian sides.
Alexandria Bay, which is located in Northern New York, is one of the harbors from which the ferries departs. As early as 1817, Alexandria Bay was home to many settlers. The main street is lined with a mix of historic sites, including a general store from 1866, and family-run stores. Due to the popularity among tourists, the small diners, bakeries, and souvenir stores are all packed with people.
Each island has specific traits that make them stand out.
Zavikon Island:
Zavikon Island is made up of two islands, a larger one and the smaller one, also referred to as “Little Zavikon Island.” The larger island has a Canadian flag and “Little Zavikon Island” has an American flag. Between the two islands is a small footbridge, often referred to as the “shortest international bridge in the world.” Contrary to popular belief, both islands are actually in Canadian waters.
Just Room Enough Island:
Just Room Enough Island, also known as Hub Island, is the smallest populated island. The island is around 3,300 square feet, just big enough for a one family house, a tree, and a few plants. Despite its small size, the Just Room Enough Island continues to be a vacation spot for the current owner.
Heart Island:
Heart Island is one of the more famous islands in the archipelago, at a size of around 5 acres. The main attraction is the Boldt Castle, previously owned by George C. Boldt. Boldt requested the castle’s construction for his wife, Louise, in order to display his love for her. However, in January 1904, Louise suddenly passed away, leaving the castle unfinished.
In 1977, the property was re-acquired and the castle, which was damaged by years of weathering, was repaired for the public to visit. The Boldt Castle is 6 stories tall, containing a variety of spaces such as a pool, ballroom, billiard room, library, Grand Hallway, staircase, reception room, suites, and kitchens. After the castle’s renovation, the rooms were beautifully decorated with great attention to detail.
The walls are made out of stone. Inside, the floors are made out of wood and marble. The ceiling is beautifully carved, with a dome in the center. The dome is pieced together with colored glass; the sunlight that shines through makes the colorful and detailed mosaic even grander.
Aside from the Boldt Castle, there are other structures on the island, one of which is the Power House. The Power House rises out of the St. Lawrence River, connected to the island with only an arched stone bridge. Designed in the style of a medieval tower, the Power House originally housed two generators that supplied electricity to the island. It also supplied water to the entire island.
Another building is the Alster Tower. It was the first structure to be built on the island and was used for recreational use. It contains a billiard room, theater, and even a two-lane bowling alley. The structure of the tower is unique: it is a tall square tower with porches and balconies protruding from the sides. Although the building is weathered and moss and vines grow on the walls and roofs, the beautiful architecture is still a sight to behold.
There are also many sculptures and gardens around the island. The structures on the island are connected by narrow stone paths with luscious grass and plants on both sides. There are a few flowerbeds, with very colorful flowers, placed strategically on the islands. One garden is the Italian Garden, which has four statues, each representing a season, a fountain in the center, and a flower bed around it.
Thousand Islands is a wonderful vacation spot, providing tranquility for busy people. During the Gilded Age, a time of urbanization and growth, Thousand Islands was very popular. Yet, many visitors flocked to the islands, some building vacation homes and some settling down. Busy workers from the polluted and crowded cities took long boat and train rides to get there. What was the reason behind its popularity? The ability to escape the industrialized world around us to a peaceful place.
Even in today’s society, urbanization is a large issue. People are neglecting or taking nature for granted. With stress levels rapidly increasing, tranquility is especially important. Nothing is more relaxing than a well-deserved vacation.
A trip to the calm, beautiful, and unique Thousand Islands is an excellent restorative for your body and your soul.
A trip to the calm, beautiful, and unique Thousand Islands is an excellent restorative for your body and your soul.