Bishop Castle
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Bishop Castle, is a one-man construction project by Colorado resident Jim Bishop. The castle reaches over 160ft in the air and is the first in a series of buildings planned by the enigmatic designer.
[edit] Construction
At the age of 15, Jim Bishop assumed ownership (under the little-known law of laches) of a 2.5-acre plot of land outside of Pueblo, Colorado. He has been battling local and state government over ownership ever since. The land was heavily forested, and Jim and friends often used it for camping.
Construction on the castle did not begin until 1971, when Bishop began construction on a large cistern, which he decided to surround with rocks. Several neighbors noted that the impressive structure looked something like a castle. Bishop took this to heart and soon began building his fortress.
Construction on the castle continues today with the addition of a ballroom, a dragon shaped furnace, a chapel, and several complete fireplaces.
[edit] Tourism
The castle is open from dawn until dusk 7 days a week, year round. Entrance is free, and visitors climb at their own risk.
The castle is isolated, but can be reached by a relatively short drive on the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway.
