Lambert Castle facts for kids
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Belle Vista
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Lambert Castle in 2014
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 Location in Passaic County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Valley Road in Garret Mountain Reservation, Paterson, New Jersey |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001180 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 3, 1976 |
Lambert Castle, also known as Belle Vista, is a historic building in Paterson, New Jersey. It looks like a grand castle! It was built in 1892 and is now a special place listed on the National Register of Historic Places. People visit to learn about its art, unique architecture, and connection to local industries.
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The Castle's Story
Lambert Castle was built in 1892 as the home of Catholina Lambert. He owned a very important silk factory in Paterson. Mr. Lambert wanted his home to look like the castles he remembered from his childhood in Great Britain. So, he built it in a style called Medieval Revival.
In 1898, important visitors came to the castle. These included President William McKinley and Vice President Garret Hobart.
In June 1910, a famous filmmaker named D. W. Griffith even shot a movie here! The film was called The Call To Arms. It starred Mary Pickford, who played a boy in the movie.
From Home to Museum
After Mr. Lambert passed away in 1923, his family sold the castle. The City of Paterson bought it first, then Passaic County took it over a few years later.
In 1936, Passaic County gave one room in the castle to a new group called the Passaic County Historical Society. This room became their first museum. Over time, the museum grew bigger and bigger. Soon, the entire first floor was filled with historical exhibits.
In the late 1990s, the castle got a big makeover. Millions of dollars were spent to fix it up. After the restoration, all four floors became a museum and a library for everyone to enjoy.
Building the Castle
Construction on Lambert Castle began in 1891. The castle was built on the side of the First Watchung Mountain. It was made from strong sandstone and granite. The sandstone came from the hills right around the castle!
Building the castle was very expensive, costing about half a million dollars back then. In 1896, an art gallery was added to the castle. A tall, 70-foot observation tower was also built on top of the nearby cliff.
Tower and Gallery Changes
Sadly, the art gallery wing eventually fell apart and was taken down in 1936. The observation tower was open to the public for many years. But by the late 1960s, it also became unsafe and had to close.
Good news! In 2014, the Garret Rock Observation Tower was fixed up. It reopened to the public. Now, you can visit the tower for free and see amazing views from the top!
Gallery
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Marble lion statues by the entrance
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Lambert Tower on the mountain crest
See also
In Spanish: Castillo Lambert para niños
