Calumet Island facts for kids
 Calumet Island
Location in New York
Location of Calumet Island in New York State
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Lawrence River |
| Coordinates | 44°15′00″N 76°05′42″W / 44.25000°N 76.09500°W |
| Highest elevation | 253 ft (77.1 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | New York |
| County | Jefferson |
| Town | Clayton |
| Owner | Private |
Calumet Island is a small island located in the St. Lawrence River. You can find it in the Town of Clayton in Jefferson County, New York. This island was once home to one of the first huge castles built in the Thousand Islands area. These grand homes were popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. A famous example that still stands today is Boldt Castle.
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History of Calumet Island
How Calumet Island Got Its Name
In 1882, a rich tobacco businessman from New York, Charles G. Emery, bought this island. He was one of the first people to develop the Thousand Islands region. The island was first called Powder Horn Island. Charles Emery changed its name to "Calumet." This is a French word that was often used by early European settlers. It referred to a Native American ceremonial pipe. The island's shape reminded him of such a pipe.
Building a Grand Castle
Construction on a large castle began on Calumet Island in 1893. It was finished just one year later, in 1894. This impressive castle had 30 rooms, including a big ballroom. Other buildings were also added to the island. These included a water tower, a special lagoon for Emery's steam yachts, a guesthouse, a boathouse, and an ice house.
The castle on Calumet Island was one of the first grand homes in the Thousand Islands. It was built before Boldt Castle, which started construction in 1900. However, it was built a few years after another large home called Castle Rest, which was finished in 1888.
The Castle's Later Years
After a sad event in 1907, Charles Emery decided to close the castle. He locked its doors and never returned. Charles Emery passed away in 1915. He left his large estate, worth $4 million, to his son Frank and grandson Charles G. Emery II.
The castle stayed empty for many years. Then, in 1956, a fire destroyed most of the building. Today, only some parts of the original estate remain. These include the water tower, which is now a lighthouse, the ice house, and the power house. You can also still see the skiff house, the servant's house, the boathouse, and the staircase that led up to the castle.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Calumet Island was home to the Calumet Island Marina. It also had a restaurant and a bar. As of 2011, the Rawson family owns the island. They use it for their summer holidays.
