Heart Island earned its name because its shape was intentionally altered to resemble a heart, and it was subsequently renamed from its original designation, "Hart Island." This transformation was carried out under the direction of George Boldt.
The Origin of Heart Island's Name
The island's unique and romantic name stems from a deliberate redesign initiated by George Boldt, a wealthy hotelier and the creator of the famous Boldt Castle. His vision involved transforming the natural landscape of the island as part of his ambitious building project.
- Original Name: Before its transformation, the island was known as Hart Island.
- Shape Alteration: George Boldt had the island's perimeter physically reshaped to sculpt it into a distinct heart-like form. This beautification effort was one of the first significant changes he made to the property.
- Renaming: Following the successful alteration of its physical shape, the island's name was officially changed from "Hart Island" to "Heart Island," directly reflecting its new, iconic silhouette.
This meticulous reshaping and renaming were integral to Boldt's grand plan for the estate, intended as a lavish expression of love for his wife, Louise. The island, with its namesake castle, remains a prominent landmark in the Thousand Islands region.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Name | Hart Island |
| Current Name | Heart Island |
| Reason for Change | Island reshaped into a heart by George Boldt |
| Initiator | George Boldt |
For more details about Heart Island and Boldt Castle, you can explore the official Boldt Castle website.
