Jim Bishop, Southern Colorado castle builder, dies at 80

Colorado Public Radio ^ | November 21, 2024 | Shanna Lewis

[Ultra Sonic 007]

The man who created one of Southern Colorado’s most beloved and quirky attractions has died, according to a social media post.

James “Jim” Roland Bishop began building his monumental stone castle high atop a hillside in the forest of the Wet Mountains in 1969 on land in rural Custer County that he purchased ten years earlier, as a teenager.

An ironworker by trade, the Pueblo resident labored on weekends, mostly singlehandedly on what was intended to be a small cottage. More than five decades later it stands about 165 feet tall, boasts stained glass windows and is topped by a metal dragon that can breathe smoke from a woodstove inside.

“Without cranes, without money, without a rich daddy. By hand. High school dropout. I work for a living. I paid as I went. No bankers, no loans, no blueprints, no inspections. A place of freedom. A fight for freedom,” Bishop said in a NPR interview in 1994.

As what is now known as Bishop Castle grew in size, it also grew in popularity, attracting tourists from around the world. They’d climb the castle’s uneven stairs into dark turrets to reach the upper floors. Some would brave the open ironwork walkways to get a view from the top of the edifice. It has been described as "authentically dangerous," by more than one visitor.

[Ultra Sonic 007]

I visited the castle twice; it's quite the roadside attraction.

Hope his heirs keep it going as it stands.

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Colorado/unusual architecture ping.

[SunkenCiv]

Wild stuff! I’m not even ambitious enough to build a ‘replica’ of Gormenghast using the Lego castle sets.

https://www.bishopcastle.org/

[No name given]

Rest In Peace, Jim Bishop.

[Texas_Jarhead]

I had been there before but had completely forgotten until I saw the picture. RIP

[Paladin2]

Consummated Vision is relatively rare.

[laplata]

I’ve also been to the castle a few times. He posted all sorts of anti-government signs around the property.

[FreeperCell]

Hero.

[Ultra Sonic 007]

He was quite the character:

[Ol' Dan Tucker]

I’ve also been to the castle a few times. He posted all sorts of anti-government pro-freedom signs around the property.

Fixed it for ya!

I love the place and only live about 45 minutes from it. I haven't walked the entire castle, but it's way more impressive in person than in photos.

FRegards,

[Ol' Dan Tucker]

He was quite the character:

If there ever was a case of malicious prosecution, this is a perfect example.

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Looks like Jim's son is going to keep the castle going.

[Verginius Rufus]

Not to be confused with the author Jim Bishop (1907-1987), author of The Day Lincoln Was Shot, The Day Christ Died, and several other books.

[mairdie]

Never heard of this. Really glad you posted it. Thanks.

[laplata]

Thanks for the fix.
I have a brother who lives in the Wet Mountains between Westcliff and Canon City. Off Oak Creek around Grape Creek.

[laplata]

Thanks for the link.

RIP, Jim.

[george76]

Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)

[laplata]

Thank you. I’ve been to Bishop’s Castle a few times. Jim was a good man.

RIP

[Revel]

I found some interesting castle pics here:

https://allthingskarissa.com/2023/04/16/bishop-castle-a-must-see-colorado-roadside-attraction/