9 Oldest Castles in America with Interesting Histories

‘Iolani Palace – Honolulu, Hawaii

The castle was built in 1882 by King Kalākaua. The cornerstone was laid in 1879, and construction was completed three years later. ʻIolani Palace became the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs and later served as the government capitol after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893.

Today, ʻIolani Palace is a National Historic Landmark and the only royal palace in the United States. Its architecture combines European and Hawaiian influences, creating the distinctive American Florentine style.

The palace also witnessed some of the most important moments in Hawaiian history. Queen Liliʻuokalani, King Kalākaua’s sister and successor, was imprisoned there following the overthrow of the monarchy.

• Travel tip: Coming here, you can choose from guided experiences that reveal the palace’s royal rooms, architecture, and Hawaiian history. Check the official visitor information before your trip because tours and access can change.

1892 Bishop’s Palace – Galveston, Texas

Also known as Gresham’s Castle, Bishop’s Palace was completed in 1892 and is one of Galveston’s most impressive examples of Victorian architecture. The palace was built for Colonel Walter Gresham and his family. Its elaborate design features stained-glass windows, carved woodwork, decorative fireplaces, and richly detailed interiors that reflect the wealth and craftsmanship of the period.

The American Institute of Architects has recognized the building as one of the most important structures in the United States.

Boldt Castle – Alexandria Bay, New York

George C. Boldt, the owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, built Boldt Castle for his wife, Louise. Construction began in 1900, when around 300 workers started creating the six-story, 120-room castle on picturesque Heart Island.

Then, in January 1904, tragedy struck. Louise died suddenly, and Boldt ordered the workers to stop construction. Heartbroken, he never returned to the island, leaving the unfinished castle as a monument to his love.

For 73 years, the castle stood exposed to the elements. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property and began preserving and restoring the historic structures.

Located on Heart Island, Boldt Castle is accessible by boat, making it a memorable day trip in the Thousand Islands region.

Joslyn Castle – Omaha, Nebraska

The Joslyn Castle follows the Scottish Baronial style, with stone walls, steps, decorative details, and small turrets. In 1903, the mansion was completed as a 35-room private home for George and Sarah Joslyn.

Today, the preserved building remains an important historic landmark in Omaha. In addition to public tours, visitors can take part in private tours and events, including weddings, photography, and dining.

Fonthill Castle – Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist, anthropologist, and ceramicist, built Fonthill Castle between 1908 and 1912. It was both his home and a showplace for his collection of Moravian tiles until his death.

Fonthill Castle has an unusual architectural style that blends medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine influences. Its distinctive design makes it one of the more unusual historic castles in the United States.

Today, Fonthill Castle operates as a museum where visitors can learn about Mercer, his architecture, and his extensive collection.

Hearst Castle – San Simeon, California

Hearst Castle was called “Enchanted Hill” long before it became one of California’s most famous historic estates.

In 1865, George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland. His son, William Randolph Hearst, later inherited land around San Simeon and expanded the property to approximately 250,000 acres. In 1919, Hearst and architect Julia Morgan began developing the hilltop estate he called La Cuesta Encantada, or “Enchanted Hill.”

By 1947, the unfinished estate contained 165 rooms and extensive gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. Hearst and Morgan had worked together for 28 years to create the remarkable property.

The estate also housed an extraordinary art collection, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, European paintings, sculptures, decorative art, and historic ceilings from Renaissance Italy and Spain.

Loveland Castle – Loveland, Ohio

Also known as Château Laroche, Loveland Castle is built in the Medieval style. The construction began in June 1929, and its creator, Harry D. Andrews, spent decades working on the castle.

It’s now a museum on the banks of the Little Miami River north of Loveland, Ohio. You can take a tour and explore the unusual medieval-style architecture and grounds.

Besides that, there are many things to do near Loveland Castle. You can enjoy picnics throughout the grounds, while the surrounding area also has restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy.

The Kentucky Castle – Versailles, Kentucky

Dating back to 1969, The Kentucky Castle has a much more modern history than the other properties on this list. Rex and Caroline Martin began building the castle after being inspired by their travels through Europe. However, construction stopped, and the unfinished structure remained vacant for more than 30 years.

In the early 2000s, new owners began restoring and completing the castle. Then, in 2004, a structure fire caused further damage but ultimately led to another major restoration. The property finally opened to the public in 2008.

Today, The Kentucky Castle is a luxury hotel and landmark, making it one of the most unusual places to stay in a castle-style property in the United States.

The Kentucky Castle is an ideal destination for your getaway. Additionally, there are many things to do and experience in Versailles, the castle’s area.

Are you thinking the same as me? Let’s reserve a stay at The Kentucky Castle to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a real castle.