I will occasionally re-publish an older post under the heading Throwback Thursday. This one first appeared here on February 15, 2017. I decided to re-post it today as Jim Bishop, visionary castle-builder extraordinaire, died today, November 21, 2024 at the age of 80. RIP, Mr. Bishop!
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Castles in Germany are not infrequent. For many sightseers they epitomize Europe’s charm and myth, and any American who has taken a cruise on the Rhine will have dozens of photos to share with relatives back home. Even during my last trip to Germany I happened across several castle ruins during everyday activities. But castles in Colorado?
Even if the Rocky Mountains form their own towers, turrets, and battlements, drawbridges are not among the natural features. Nonetheless, Colorado boasts a fully-formed castle, complete with drawbridge (even if there is no moat – yet) and it is a well-known area landmark, as the ever-present column of cars lining the roadside attests.
I speak of Bishop Castle, located along State Highway 165, in Colorado’s San Isabel National Forest, about 73 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. The embodiment of one man’s vision, Mr. Jim Bishop has worked on his magnum opus for nearly 60 years, according to the official website, and since his marriage in 1967, has had the support of his wife Phoebe. It is still a work in progress, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that moat were to show up after all, water shortage in the West be damned. This seems to encapsulate the attitude of the builder who has no qualms about voicing his controversial social and political opinions and who has fought tooth and nail with local and national entities about the legality of his project. Nevertheless, he has withstood any and all attempts at derailing him from the fulfillment of his design.
Even though my husband and I have heard about the castle, have even seen photos of it, when we finally stand before it, we are not prepared for the gargantuan edifice fashioned of local rock, glass, and what must amount to miles and miles of ironworks.
The tallest tower tops out at 160 feet, and the tallest chimney terminates in a dragon. On the sunny autumn day of our attendance, we are deprived of the smoke-spewing spectacle which greets guests on rare occasions. Entry through the lowered drawbridge is free, but donations are welcome, as most construction costs have been financed by Mr. Bishop himself, besides those willing to fund his quest.
Many of the rooms spread out over three stories remain unfinished, some are drafty for lack of glass in the windows, but each is endowed with its own character.
We marvel at a succession of elegant arches, before entering a generous hall on the third floor. Its pointed ceiling, bisected by ornate welding, and lofty windows invoke the nave of a Gothic cathedral and its solemn atmosphere invites reflection and pause.
Narrow staircases lead us higher and higher, until stone gives way to metal porches and walkways hugging the exterior walls.
The castle, at an elevation of 9,000 feet, is surrounded by mountains and trees and affords glimpses of Colorado’s Great Plains in the East.
The 360 degree view from the birdcage-like globe and bridges which grace the building like a filigreed crown makes up for the slight queasiness resulting from the structure’s gentle swaying in Colorado’s fall breeze, but to those afraid of heights, my advice is not to climb beyond the third story.
Opinions about Bishop Castle and the person behind it range from approval to severe censure. Yet none of the visitors on site seems able to resist a sense of awe and admiration. I can’t help but reflect on the quest of another misunderstood knight, having recently re-read and re-considered the meaning of Don Quixote. I know I am a hopeless romantic, but I am impressed with and inspired by Jim Bishop who dared to follow his dream and left us a dreamlike legacy.
Click here for the German version/klicken Sie bitte hier für die deutsche Version:
https://tanjaschimmel.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/eine-burg-in-colorados-bergen/
tanja britton 
Noticing the town in which the idiosyncratic castle’s website says it is located, we might add that Jim Bishop had a Rye sense of humor.
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That would be one way to characterize one of Mr. Bishop’s many amazing characteristics.
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Awesome! Love it! That stained glass is amazing, and then to top it off that dragon head – wow! Also love your beautiful page cover photo.
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Thank you, Pam. It’s a breathtaking edifice to experience.
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Wow, I love it. Wildly, eccentrically quirky…and don’t we all need some wild, eccentric quirkiness in our lives? What a great legacy Jim Bishop has left for visitors to this part of Colorado. I hope some way will be found to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
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Thank you, Mr. P. Your list of attributes describes this edifice perfectly. I also hope it will continue to remain open for visitors.
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This castle is amazing!!
Thank you for sharing it!
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Thank you, Gavin. Another destination to add to your to-do list for your next Colorado trip! 😊
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Most definitely!!
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Wowsah, I love this castle, too! Especially the dragon. There are spoilports everywhere, even in Maine, where a few years ago there was a flapdoodle over building fairy houses in the woods of an island tourists like to visit in the summer. When I visited the woods, as far as I could tell, no harm was done to the woods, and the children were having a great time. I once read, and I am paraphrasing, that Puritans are always under the suspicion that somewhere, somebody is having a good time.
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Thank you, Laurie. The castle has many wonderful touches but the dragon takes the crown.
I love your paraphrase–heaven forbid we have fun! 😊
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Yes, heaven forbid! I am a huge believer in simple pleasures.
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How cool. Let it be noted I would heed your advice and not go beyond the third floor – although it got better when I had to hang off three story high beams when I was building my house, my body does not appreciate increasing my potential energy for a better view ha. This place reminds me a bit of a place called House on the Rock we like to visit in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Not a castle per se, but I can see similarities in both attitude and originality in the construction. Thanks for sharing.
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The higher reaches of the castle are definitely interesting. I don’t think I would walk them on a windy day!
“Hanging off” high beams also sounds very interesting. I’m glad you survived the construction of your home. 😊
Thank you for visiting the castle with me.
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Tanja, I also experienced the charm of castles in Germany. So I am impressed to learn that there is a castle in the mountains of Colorado. My wife often uses a quote that goes somewhat like this: If you can dream it, you can do it. Bravo, Herr Bishop!
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It was a lot of fun to experience this Colorado castle, Peter.
Your wife’s saying holds a lot of truth but I think most of us don’t dream as big as Mr. Bishop! 🏰
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Wow–just crazy fun! I’d love to see this ‘one man’ wonder. Except for that way-up-in-the-turret view. I might just skip that…:) Thanks for this fun post that I’m reading on Friday!
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“Crazy-fun” describes this perfectly, Tina. The view from the turret was priceless, but we were slightly seasick from the swaying. 😊
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Wow, a man who dared to dream! I wonder what will become of it now that he has passed?
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Mr. Bishop definitely dreamed big, Eliza. Hat off!
I’m also curious to learn what will happen. Maybe some of his family members will continue to care for the castle.
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I love the images of the interiors, particularly of the Gothic cathedral and the contoured steel on the exteriors. The analogy between Jim Bishop and Don Quixote is so inspiring. We had to read Don Quixote very early in our lives as coming from Latin America it was compulsory reading. Jim Bishop was a truly visionary man and I’d love to see this work of art!
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Thank you, Maria. I agree that Mr. Bishop was a dreamer and a visionary. I’m glad you see the parallels to Don Quixote. Didn’t you love that tale? Or maybe not, as it was compulsory. Sometimes we don’t appreciate some literature if someone tells us we have to read it and will get graded on it.
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I always loved it, probably because I consider myself a visionary also. “For neither good nor evil can last forever; and so it follows that as evil has lasted a long time, good must now be close at hand” is a quote from Don Quixote de La Mancha.
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What a wonderful quote, Maria.
Sadly, we are still waiting for the good . . .
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Somehow, I have never heard of this place, but I suppose I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the area. I can’t imagine dedicating that much time and energy to one specific thing for so many years.
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It’s definitely worth a visit, Diana. I think Mr. Bishop had a vision which he pursued singlemindedly. Most mortals won’t leave a similarly impressive legacy.
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Hello Tanja, when I woke up this morning, this is the first news that I’ ve heard! You are one the ball with your text, beautiful résumé of his legacy, I haven’t been there yet! Other than Glen Eyrie Castle, Colorado has a second castle! RIP Mr. Bishop!
Isabelle Couture 🐦
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Thank you, Isabelle. I heard the news about Mr. Bishop’s passing yesterday and was reminded of our visit to his castle all these years ago.
I hope you and Chris will be able to visit, I think you would like it. 🏰
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Wow, what a fantastic place! It must have been an amazing place to see and it must be even more so for children. I love the beautiful stained-glass window. I hope that this extraordinary legacy will be properly looked after in the future.
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It IS a fantastic place for young and old alike. I share your hope about the future of this special edifice. It seems that Mr. Bishop’s son might carry on the torch.
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Thank goodness for those who dare to dream and have the gumption to carry those dreams out. This is such a whimsical castle. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the dragon baring it’s teeth at the front of it to greet everyone. 😃
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Thank goodness, indeed, Julie. The castle has so many interesting and intriguing features but the dragon definitely adds the perfect touch. We need to return another day to watch it spew smoke. 🐲
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Yes do that! 😄
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Liebe Tanja.
Vielen Dank für die Vorstellung dieser ungewöhnlichen Burg.
Wie gut, dass es solche Menschen gibt.
Sie versöhnen mit dem Abschaum.
Viele Gedanken sind zur Zeit bei dir und Pit.
Hoffentlich wird es nicht so schlimm wie man befürchten muss.
Bleibt gesund und auch munter, du und dein Mann.
Viele liebe Grüße Brigitte
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Herzlichen Dank für den netten Kommentar und die guten Wünsche, liebe Brigitte.
Während die Burg immer schon inspiriert hat, tun die Ereignisse der vergangen Wochen das Gegenteil. Deutschland hat ja leider schon erlebt wie es ist, wenn ein Diktator auf legalem Weg zur Macht gelangt, nur um dann alle Gesetze außer Kraft zu setzen um sein Unwesen zu treiben. Leider ignorieren wir zu oft die Lektionen der Vergangenheit.
Herzliche Grüße zurück, auch von meinem Mann,
Tanja
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Looks like you’ve given us yet another stop in Colorado next time we visit. Thanks for the photo tour Tanja.
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Thank you, Brad. This is definitely a “must-see” Colorado destination! 🏰
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Wonderful! 👏
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Thank you. We think so too.
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I absolutely love this, and think your associating it with Don Quixote is perfect, especially since the full title of the book is “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.” Mr. Bishop certainly was ingenious — not to mention given to conviction and perseverance! His castle seems the sort of thing that might begin with an idle thought — “Wouldn’t it be cool to have a castle?” — and then takes on a life of its own. It would be a hoot to visit, although I’d certainly take your advice about not passing above the third floor to heart. I used to climb masts and rigging easily, but my balance isn’t what it used to be thirty years ago!
As it happens, there’s a ‘castle’ in Santa Fe, Texas that I pass on a regular basis. It’s not new construction, but one man’s enormous renovation project. You can have a peek at it here if you like.
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Thank you, Linda. I think you would enjoy exploring Mr. Bishop’s castle. It’s inspiring to see the result of one man’s dream.
I also appreciate a link to Santa Fe’s castle. That also took a visionary to tackle!
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