New York tobacco tycoon Charles G. Emery, a pioneering developer of the Thousand Islands region during the 1800s,[2] purchased what was then known as Powder Horn Island in 1882. He changed the island's name to "Calumet", a French, colonial-era word often used for a Native Americanceremonial pipe, in reference to the island's shape.[3]
Construction of a castle began on the island in 1893, and was completed the following year. Once completed, the castle boasted 30 rooms, including a ballroom. Outbuildings and other improvements included a water tower, a lagoon for his steam yachts, a guesthouse, a boathouse and an ice house.[3] The castle on Calumet Island was among the first such grand structures in the Thousand Islands region, predating the still-standing Boldt Castle, for which construction began in 1900,[4] but built several years after the completion of Castle Rest in 1888.[5]
Emery's second wife died on his birthday on July 20, 1907; in accordance to her wishes, she was allowed to pass away at the castle. Afterwards, Emery locked the castle door for good.[3] Charles Emery died in 1915, leaving the $4 million estate to his son Frank and grandson Charles G. Emery II.[2]
The castle remained vacant until a fire destroyed much of the structure in 1956.[2] Today, all that remains is the water tower (which has been converted to a light house), ice house, power house, skiff house, servant's house, boat house, and the staircase that led up to the castle.[3]
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Calumet Island was the site of the Calumet Island Marina,[6] and included a restaurant and bar as well. As of 2011, the island is owned by the Rawson family who use it for summer holidays.[3]
