Castle Built over 53 Years by One Man - COOLEST THING I'VE EVER MADE EP21

Jim Bishop's homemade castle is like nothing you've ever seen before. Over 53 years, Bishops castle was built rock by rock, with the help of a pickup truck, Jim Bishop, a welder by trade, built this 165 ft tall castle in the wilds of Colorado in the summer months. In this video, we meet Jim Bishop and his son Daniel, with Daniel giving us the ultimate tour. This is one of the most comprehensive looks at Bishop's castle ever filmed.
Follow us on Instagram @coolestthing for behind the scenes and other fun stuff.
Producer/Director: Guy Georgeson
Editor: Guy Georgeson
Director of Photography: Andrew Sheppard
Researcher: Sara Knowles
Associate Producer: Laura Morris
Illustrations: Arden Taylor
Music licensed from: Audio Network, Pond5, Epidemic Sound
Stock Media provided by Marscott / Pond5
Stock footage licensed from: Storyblocks
Big thank you to the Bell Fund for additional funding of this season!

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks for watching everyone! We are back for Season 3 (finally). Had to take a break as we were not able to travel, but we filmed more episodes this summer and will be releasing one a month, so be sure to Subscribe! Happy to be back! The castle episode was a fun one! - Guy (Creator/Producer of Coolest Thing I've Ever Made)

[@model901]

Just an idea for your program. In Madrid, Spain there are an entire cathedral buil by one man during 60 years. His Name is Justo Gallego and sadly pass away last year. He utilize recycled materials and design the building without amy architecture study or knowledge. The cathedral compite in high and dimensions with any other cathedrals build during reenactment period. A unique building build by a unique man. 100% recommend.

[@chrislaggan7417]

Not only a great subject , but a well presented video.👍

[@mmanolo]

If you want to continue this line.... In Spain there's a guy that made something even bigger.... a Cathedral. Just search "Justo Cathedral"

[@colinvannurden3090]

Do it❤

[@CoolestThing]

@@model901 Great idea! Not sure our budget will allow Europe travel, but would love to go. Will check for sure! Thank you!- Guy

[@drestre21]

Kudos to the son for keeping his fathers dream and vision alive and not putting him in a retirement home. Warms my heart! ❤️ 🏰

[@mbenjamin292]

Amen only a monster would put his dad's dreams of life in a retirement home while he lives or works there.his dad built it he can die where he wants to on his land.

[@charleslavoie5402]

This was my favorite part of the story. He’s raised his son right.

[@fliw7114]

Yea, you take him away from the castle and his health will probably go too. Let him die happy showing it to people to his very last days. He's earned it

[@babybirdhome]

To be fair, he said they’ve always been poor, so I doubt they could afford to put him in an old folks’ home anyway. When my dad was in hospice before he died, we looked into it for him just for his last few months of life and holy cow… I feel for anyone who has an older relative who has any kind of special needs and isn’t independently wealthy in the United States! The cheapest thing we could find was over $9k/month! We’re a family of 6 and that was more than all of us made combined after taking out what we needed to keep the house and feed ourselves.

[@mystery8guy]

I never understood how americans do that to their parents, im from Cyprus btw

[@bondyb1205]

Imagine if this man had KZbin to film his progress. He wouldn't have worried too much about money and we would have endless entertainment for years

[@SmokeyPyro]

Imagine the possibilities for New youtubers for upcoming years 🤔😏

[@stevestefler880]

@@SmokeyPyro Showing your holes on onlyfans gives more profit for modern society.

[@questioner1596]

On the other hand he would get significantly less done if he spent 2/3 of his time setting up the camera, editing, etc.

[@Andre-vt4np]

@@questioner1596 well if he had funding he could hire help or something, kinda like how Uncle ben from Urban Rescue ranch gets help from other youtubers in building his own farm pond

[@shanks2872]

@@Andre-vt4np But he literally said he wanted it to be a 1 man project

[@quintusgrobler9088]

I think the part I respect most is him proudly admitting to doing this all for attention. Living his truth, no bullshit. 2.1 million people have seen you my man, excellent work.

[@Scrapps97]

He actually built it as a free attraction and monument for poor working americans. He dedicated his entire life for others. I live in Colorado, just visited it yesterday.

[@cantagiousca5220]

Amaze

[@deyh5664]

@@Scrapps97 so you poor?

[@Scrapps97]

@@deyh5664 compared to whom? The average american... yeah, not bottom of the barrel, but I'm not very successful yet. Compared to a large portion of the world? I'm extremely wealthy and blessed.

[@Billcomesback]

@@Scrapps97 Man, i may not be religious, but Amen to that.

[@brentprosser7293]

There are men out there, everywhere, doing impossible things. Breaking themselves just to leave their mark on the world. This is truly wonderful and beautiful. May it stand for centuries as a testament to this man's vision and determination.

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@E-Kat]

They don't waste their life on watching KZbin! I hate myself to the core of my being for being so weak!! Before the internet, I was constantly making things and every day, I had something to show for.

[@brentprosser7293]

@@E-Kat You can do both. I watch youtube mainly for information about projects I'm working on. But after working all day, I can also use it for entertainment. Willpower and time management.

[@E-Kat]

@@brentprosser7293 yes, thank you. This is exactly what I need to do. Need to create a better real life, so I don't need to escape from it. And that's the most difficult part. Thank you so much for your kind advice. 😊

[@alchemist89blk]

I remember going here as a kid. My dad drove us four hours out of the way to go and walk around. We went home and he started building zip lines and rope bridges in our yard. I think he was inspired by what he saw in this castle.

[@coltoncardinal313]

Wow! That’s so cool!

[@mufuape6753]

That’s awesome man!

[@1spankytc]

Heck that’s awesome

[@garyarms9647]

Good dad!

[@Jamespetersenwa]

For some men, having their own children becomes "Childhood 2.0" for them because now they can do all the things they wish they could of as kids and nobody can tell them it's dumb because "I'm building it for the kids!".

[@EF97_227]

Jim bishop is a national treasure, a true representation of free spirit and dedication. What a guy

[@CoolestThing]

Agree! Thanks for watching!

[@joeysabey6019]

The fact his response to ravers wanting to come party there was like 'hell yeah!' makes me love him so much.

[@anopoabednego6173]

We have many national treasures, a man building a house for his family is not one of them.

[@FartInYourFace234]

jim is a scrooge

[@cynthiamaniscalco6972]

I've been there a couple of times. So much to see and walk through. Something interesting everywhere you go. A life's work of wonder and creativity.

[@mikerecords5530]

As an ironworker and a fabricator i can respect the intensity in what this man has accomplished. Absolutely amazing.

[@stemikger]

As a jaded 59 year old New Yorker, not much blows my mind. This blew my mind in so many ways, I'm having a hard time digesting it. The accomplishment, the philosophy on why it was done, and the son's love for his dad just makes this amazing in very way possible. It's amazing how one man could have done this.

[@AwesomeBabyBoomer]

If you could have met Jim, your mind would be un-blown. Jim was such a warm, wonderful, unassuming, down to earth man, but you could feel strength in his handshake and see determination in his eyes.

[@cold-wolf]

Building your own castle by yourself? it's a childhood dream all of us had. You can't help but respect this level of commitment and effort. It's just so unique and inspiring.

[@dncviorel]

I never dreamed about building my own castle, with my own hands, and neither do I know anyone else with such a dream. 😄

[@MrHubyBuby]

​@@dncviorel You either a female or gen Z male if you hadn't

[@tubekulose]

It's impressive but the terminology is wrong: it's a mansion and not a castle.

[@deyh5664]

@@dncviorel you are probably from the internet generation ;). Before that time, people were very different.

[@viktorstagnetti7491]

@@MrHubyBuby Pure ignorance

[@imhere8380]

Jim Bishop, Father, Designer, Builder, Engineer, Architect, innovator, Visionary has left a great legacy. Thank you, Jim.

[@imhere8380]

@@notfiveo have you seen them close up?

[@vipr1142]

@notfiveo You are delusional. Mental health warning

[@xGARIDx]

And STRONG man who lifts tons of stone only by himself

[@karagongro-malog]

Minecraft OG

[@williamrelue]

@@karagongro-malog 😂😂😂

[@mattnstewart262]

This guy work unbelievably hard to build this and was stoked to host raves in it. I love that.

[@CoolestThing]

He’s one of a kind for sure!!

[@MiamiPapi]

"I pray to god every night that I'll return to my old self and start building again." What an inspiration.

[@stevemartin9200]

I met Jim 20 years ago and wanted to do a documentary on him. I didn't know what I was doing but was fascinated by him. This was way before KZbin. I worked with Jim for two weeks and went with him every day for two weeks. He is a master self promoter. He wanted to show the world what one man can do. He wanted to be an inspiration for anyone to show that if you have the desire and determination that you can do it. I really got to know the "real" Jim Bishop. A truly inspirational and caring individual. I learned a lot from from him. Because of certain things that I won't go into and my own ineptitude as a new person doing a documentary it was never completed. None of it was because of Jim. I'm glad to see he is still hanging in there. I filmed him one day hauling rock. Jim is a slight man. Not big, not heavy, but one tough son of bitch. Everything on his truck was hand made and rigged by him. He commented on the fact that the manufacturer should at least give him a new truck for promoting the amount of work that he proved could be done with it. He is a true inspiration. Like our forefathers who overcame. No matter what. If there is a problem we figure it out and get it done. He was fearless when it came to heights. I loved the picture of him standing on the head of the dragon. He commented on not being able to fire it up (It does shoot flame) because propane was too expensive at the time. We became friends in those two weeks. I'm glad to see his son take an interest in the castle and carrying on a grand family tradition. Hang in there, Jim. Like you wanted my friend, you have become a legend in your lifetime. Best to you and your wife. Steve Martin

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks for your comment and insight Steve. We just got to film for one day but found everything about the story to be just fascinating.Happy his son is taking over and keeping the castle going. Cheers- Guy

[@BLKWTR]

This is a true and beautiful example of American craftsmanship!

[@nackaskoglund7316]

Amazing what one man can accomplish. True legend. Steve, if possible you should consider finishing the documentary. Iam sure there are many out there willing to help you. Best regards from Sweden.

[@jackesioto]

Of course with any diy construction project of unconventional form and style, you can only do it in a county without kilotons of govt red tape and without zoning. Such areas are getting fewer and fewer by the day.

[@irenemax3574]

What a pleasure that must have been! Thanks for sharing, Steve Martin. Perhaps you will share your film footage one day? 🤗

[@creebro3]

My family bought a cabin outside of Westcliffe which is 45 miles from Bishops castle in 1970 so, when we have gone out there for the last 53 years we always went to see Jim and the progress that he had made. He is anti-government and he would be working on the castle preaching as he built it about the government and how not to trust them. He is one heck of a man and deserves all of the credit. And it is great that his son will carry on. I have always bought shirts and things in there gift shop and will continue until I am not able to. I'll see you in July 2023.

[@CoolestThing]

Thanks for sharing! We really enjoyed visiting and filming there. Truly impressed with the sheer scale of the project! Cheers! Guy

[@2420orion]

He is super anti gov. I love it because it is a symbol of ultimate freedom. Long live jim and his amazing castle.

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

Please learn better English. Like I do. I'm 12. It's **Their!! Not there!! 😣😮😮😥

[@M_TELEDO1212]

He's anti-government with good reason. The local government and the county have tried to get this castle shut down more times than you can count on both hands.

[@wileytype1886]

Graduated from Custer County in '08! I miss those mountains.

[@panicfarm9874]

Life’s cruel sometimes, giving this man such a bad hand at the later stages of his life but woah, what a absolute legend building this! He certainly will have a legacy that will last many generations, bravo sir

[@kellymartell1292]

It's not a bad hand- it's him not taking care of his body. He looks like he has hyperkyphosis from lifting heavy rocks and not using proper machine which in turn caused his Parkinsons. Take care yourself and lower the risk!

[@rogerelzenga4465]

@@kellymartell1292 Although your point is valid... ask him if it was worth it... his answer will render that point mute still....

[@db7979]

@@kellymartell1292 the cause of Parkinsons is unknown although it arises from the brain and lifting heavy things is not a risk factor

[@m.m.1933]

I second this* though he was a welder and it's possible that was a factor. Heavy metal toxicity... ?

[@nas8326]

​@@db7979if you lift too heavy too often for too long it will destroy your body and central nervous system.

[@AwesomeBabyBoomer]

My wife and I used to live in Colorado Springs, and we rode our Harley often to Bishops Castle. We have been blessed to have had many conversations and discussions with Jim. He was always so much fun to talk to. If company came to town, Bishop's Castle was always on the "must show" list. We now live in Texas, but our memories will forever be with us of the time we spent with Jim the castle builder at his awesome creation Bishop's Castle.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Downvoted for name alone.

[@jennrost7905]

I was at the very first rave thrown at Bishops Castle and I recall how stoked Jim and Phoebe were...they exclaimed, "we're gonna be 50 year old ravers!". Of course this was over 20 years ago now. They were such awesome people! It was amazing to see this video and the (almost) finished place...so amazing! Thank you!

[@supafrancis]

THAT is awesome and I bet it was awesome to be there! I was looking for just this kind of comment because I could imagine how happy it must have made Jim to see so many alive, young humans just purely enjoying his creation.. not to mention he himself getting to let loose in it as well.

[@robertb7643]

What kinda music did they play how early did it go til?

[@jennrost7905]

The party went all night. My good friend Matter from the Mother Earth Sound System crew kind-of discovered the place as far as the whole rave thing goes. He booked myself (in Denver I was dj. Lok-i) and two other DJ's to have a spin-off. Hard trance was the medium. I had THE COOLEST thing happen at that show....this kid gave me a drawing that he did a week before that party and he'd never seen me before but it was ME! Down to the finest detail...and my hands were on fire while mixing records...it was incredible. The next party was supposed to be a Come Together production in the 4th of July with Tony deVitt I believe and he died allegedly on his way to the party. That's my memory of the whole thing anyway...probly flawed. But damn that place is amazing!!!

[@robertb7643]

@@jennrost7905 wow thanks sounds like a moment in time to remember

[@ryanfreer77]

Must have been an incredible experience! I just posted that I visited the castle in the summer of 1994; but that might've been before most of the Great Hall was completed.

[@vipahman]

This guy is a legend. I've been rebuilding my house, room by room, for 5 years now, but the scale here is epic! I finally have my superhero.

[@seeharvester]

Just think... You've only got 48 more years to go.

[@broncokonco]

My wife and I went here years ago when the weather was kinda bad and we were the only ones there. It was one of the coolest places Ive ever gone. I always wondered how it was built. Great video

[@chrismalcomson7640]

Life is not about money, its about the effort you put into it. Total respect to Jim, amazing!!!

[@beanzburriton4263]

lol[ life is about freedom i think, not effort but what do i know

[@darkalley8595]

Life is about your relationship with Truth (Jesus). Build everything on it.

[@sirrodneyffing1]

I'm British. This is fantastic. The values of these people express everything that my country used to embrace, but has lost. The regulations in the UK now are insane. Well done, don't give in.

[@johnnymcblaze]

Regulations in Britain were always insane. Like regulation #11273 (The law of the first night) "Any peasant upon getting married, must inform his lord so that the lord, or his sons, may reserve his/their right to lay with the bride on the first night of marriage. It will be the honor of said peasant to raise any bastards this union may produce.

[@zachsheffield1325]

Wow! All you’d have to do is shoot those bastards and the king and you would be the new ruler!

[@Joshua-iv9zh]

Do you have a source for this? The regulation number and quote are clearly made up and most historians do not believe this practice ever took place.

[@sirrodneyffing1]

@@johnnymcblaze On topic for 1350 maybe but not today.

[@FyrusOlin]

​@TVT the Bishop family has played hell with the law, even having other family members try to take and dismantle it from Jim Bishop. The fact it still stands and the local governments can't do anything is pretty damn awesome! Power to the people! Let us build our castle!

[@mikejoints6647]

"To many rules make no sense" Very true words from a wise man.

[@axelljaxx3007]

also telling ppl how to act.

[@mikejoints6647]

@@axelljaxx3007 Freedom of expression. It only becomes a problem when people try to force others to agree with them.

[@matej.m.rejsek8537]

or "To many, rules make no sense"

[@user1.8.2.]

Also the integrity...when he said he couldn't say he did it alone if his son helped him...a man of conscience.

[@Doorito_]

@@mikejoints6647 You are certainly not a sports fan... or a history fan

[@alanstrang9965]

We visited there a few years ago. Wow what a testament to one man’s ability to make his ideas come to life. Enjoyed talking with Jim for half an hour. Showed us pictures of his wife. She had passed away. I enjoyed him sharing his memories. God bless Jim. Hope to see this wonderful place again

[@michellebisson551]

Just went there yesterday and by far this was the coolest thing ever that I've seen and done. Mr Bishop was there watching over the visitors and chatting with us. To me the video just doesn't show the full beauty of this castle, it's something you have to see and explore in person!! Mr Bishop belongs in the guinness book of world records for what he has done!!

[@markk3504]

Went there last summer, and you're right, while the video is very cool it still can't do justice to how interesting this castle really is. I too chatted with Mr. Bishop for a minute or two, and I'll not forget this trip ..... it is worth the excursion.

[@rasbhangi]

I visited this castle years ago. Met Jim and he was so kind to show me around and explain what and how he was building. I'll always remember him and his castle. What a thrill to finally see it complete.

[@tubekulose]

It's impressive but the terminology is wrong: it's a mansion and not a castle.

[@jjflash2611]

Truly amazing. Some men are not happy and fulfilled unless they are fabricating, building, using their hands to create something new and lasting. I remember my Grandfather and Father had that drive and passed it on to me. Thanks Joe Bishop for showing the World what one man could do with a strong sense of vision, drive, tenacity and hard-work.

[@CoolestThing]

Well said! Thanks for watching! More stories about driven individuals coming up soon!

[@karlscher5170]

He doesnt seem happy and fullfilled

[@johnoneal1234]

He is dying of Parkinson's Disease. That is what it looks like.

[@shitpostmalone5341]

Let's see your castle then😂

[@WildWombats]

@@johnoneal1234 That's just called getting old, and as his son had put it, Jim wanted to be there, not in a nursing home or retirement home, and by golly that's his choice. When you become old, you think about passing down your legacy. The most fulfilling thing you can do is knowing that you've left your mark on this world. And I think Jim Bishop can know that he has left his mark, and he certainly seemed happy and fulfilled with his life's work, else he wouldn't have spent his entire life on it.

[@FelixRosas10]

Been to Bishop Castle twice and sent my mom (who is scared of everything) there when she went to visit Colorado, it was her favorite part of the trip. Also got to meet Jim and shake his hand and tell him thank you for the amazing work and art. The man and his family are legends.

[@FreeSoul132]

Your dad's amazing and he should be proud to have a great son like you who respects his father.

[@mastermason552]

A blacksmith and a top notch mason What a gifted guy. I loved this. So cool

[@Rush47.]

never been to europe huh

[@phoenixdreams3494]

@@Rush47. What a small minded and dumb response. He's complementing this guy so why add your unwanted 2 cense

[@TheWiseRealizer]

​@@Rush47. Never been to asia huh, see not hard to make dum replies

[@Rush47.]

@@TheWiseRealizer lmfao nobody cares about asia, they dont even have real castles hahaha get a life kiddo

[@santosayala7939]

By looking at your fathers face i can tell he is very proud of this castle he build, and rightly so. It's humongous your father is a GENIUS. Your Dad should get the builders award of the century for a one man job if there is one.

[@JoveBritto-gs7ex]

I agree with you entirely... this man is a genius

[@kristinghilardi414]

To invite tourists, despite not being able to insure the property is very brave. What a great role model for us to have faith in humankind! Responsibility for their own safety should be left up to each individual! Thank you- so inspirational!

[@davidrodriguez3279]

What passion indeed. Very inspiring is this man. I do hope someone is out there doing the same.

[@SungazerDNB]

​@@kristinghilardi414 Why? Most people in the USA don't have insurance themselves.

[@kristinghilardi414]

@@SungazerDNB I had no idea

[@Ash-kb9hn]

It’s so wholesome how proud you are of your father. You can see it all over your face just how much you love and admire him. ❤ It’s really inspiring how hard he worked. Absolutely hilarious that he let people rave there. What a special, amazing man. God bless him. ❤❤

[@TheDuffs411axions]

What an absolute unit of a man, and NOBODY'S better off in a nursing home than with their own family.

[@zteaxon7787]

True. These are the men we should worship. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@reuterss306]

Nah thats not true sadly. Intensive care takes alot of time. Could you quit your job to take full care of someone? Most people cant. My grandparents had 4 kids...and all of them barely managed to take full care of them until they passed. Even needed a part time nurse to help.

[@mbenjamin292]

Amen

[@camrynhamme]

Jim seems like such a serious man but only wants people to enjoy what he’s made. Seems like such an amazing personality, all he wants is to go back to his old self and keep building.

[@cbxxb4841]

Been to this and while it is incredibly cool in itself, the fact that it is a monument to freedom and individual responsibility and a direct middle finger to the nanny state was by far the most attractive thing about it, and it's beautiful!

[@bmwr9tracer668]

Amen, bro

[@donaldmarwitz2046]

I was 4 years old when he started. As you know your dad is super amazing, proud is not even close to how any person could feel about him. You know its time its updated and a portion actually made to be lived in, not doing so for so much amazing work he did is completely not right. This is for enjoyment for living and enjoying, even if its say 10 to 15 years, you should do a small portion as a studio for your father before its to late. Thanks for the video. Just wow!

[@johnmooney9444]

While living in Colorado, my wife and I had a chance to visit that 'site'. We were on a 2 lane road, up in the Rockies, at 8000' or so, and came around the corner, and "boom", there it was. We had no prior knowledge of it and were amazed. Here was this structure, like nothing we had seen before, in a remote and undeveloped area. With no drawings and no help, this man built something amazing. The video doesn't go into it, but on numerous occasions, the authorities tried to shut down the 'project'. Somehow, he prevailed. What an incredible person.

[@kulr3924]

I had just got a small enduro style motorcycle and wanted a scenic ride through the National Forest. Someone suggested I ride here so I went. Just myself and all the time to check it out, I could not believe it! I've kept a picture from the gift shop of Jim standing in front of his Castle onthe fridge since then.

[@96Logan]

I had the exact same experience! My sister moved to Pueblo, Colorado a year or 2 ago and we were driving through the mountains looking for places to hike. And then BOOM! Exactly how you described it. So cool!

[@DrMcMoist]

That's the 'authorities' for you.

[@DrMcMoist]

@@NaesGalaxy "That brought the world those philosophies." Please tell me you're joking.

[@ChelseaH1]

This is a local treasure. Thanks for giving them this recognition. This is Colorado culture.

[@M3ganwillslay]

what is with you Colorado folk ?? i've seen so many amazing people and stories from there !! is there something in the water you drink ?? from india !

[@MrDjjavad]

​@@M3ganwillslaywhere's the emojies source?😅

[@M3ganwillslay]

@@MrDjjavad KZbin Premium

[@rogerelzenga4465]

Ive seen a small doc of him before (somewhere in the early 2000) he's even known here in Europe as the crazy American that single handedly build himself an castle ^^

[@wilfredwayne7139]

Your father has to be one of the most creative people on the planet.

[@R5308]

My family and the Scout Troup, my son was in, camped in the castle back in 2011. Jim stayed with us that night to telling us stories of the castle. It was a great experience for us all.

[@kristineoliver278]

I'm 52 and have spent my entire life going there every year or two. My family lives close by so it's crazy to see how much it has grown over the years. There were several times my stomach dropped watching because I knew how truly high they were and how scary a few of those places are but you just can't get that feeling unless you've been there. The funniest part was when he said Jim Bishop is a bit of an egotist! I wish you had shown a few more of his signs. Great show.. Thanks.

[@CoolestThing]

Amazing, lol, yes there were quite a few signs! We filmed it all in one day, so we were limited for time for sure so did not get it all. Thanks for watching! Cheers- Guy

[@KMCDM]

@@CoolestThing limited for time? This man also had no limit for time. Come on! You can do better.

[@kellymccarter6032]

Met him several times, he's a character! Very talented man

[@CoolestThing]

For sure a character! What he did is staggering!

[@jbflawless9819]

If only this man had another 50 years to work on this masterpiece 😢. Incredible what someone can do when they're motivated 🙏

[@lancejames9228]

mind blown! the strength of the human spirit is indomitable if one has the will absolutely brilliant

[@jcfra420]

Your father is a truly gifted man. He also has to be extremely stubborn to follow through with all of that.

[@longhairrasta]

This was hands down the only thing that I enjoyed about Colorado. This place was absolutely insane!! Meeting him was an honor. God bless him and his abilities.

[@laurablack2262]

I’m sorry your visit to our state wasn’t the best. We’re all a bit peculiar. If you’re ever back here in your travels try northern Colorado, Fort Collins, and Poudre Canyon areas. We have TWO hospitals now! 😂

[@twistedwhiskeymaker]

Damn, you must have missed a lot of the state.

[@codykurschner7560]

Good, Colorado is lame. If you’re not from here there is nothing for you ;)

[@ericshane8222]

What amazing castle. Guy deserves a medal for building it

[@kentslocum]

10:20 "In the safety-minded world we live in, we actually create danger by masking it." So true. Not that we shouldn't take safety precautions, but by not allowing anyone to take any risks, we desensitize people to danger.

[@Lorant1984]

Man, your Dad was a real badass!!! The creativity, the perseverance, his whole approach... This is one of the coolest storie of one of the coolest people. Respect.

[@jimd5955]

It's super cool, I've been a commercial mason for 37 years and I respect old dude for what he did by himself. Friggin art, that's true art

[@audreymethven4491]

I am flabbergasted at this. The talent this man has 🤯

[@MerkinMuffly]

Just amazing, a man with a dream and a pickup truck

[@mistadopeman]

This guy is something else. The tremendous sense of accomplishment he must feel. It’s well deserved. Now take a break and enjoy it.

[@CoolestThing]

For sure! The amount of work is hard to comprehend!

[@computerjantje]

taking a break is not the way to enjoy it. Keep building has been his way to enjoy it. Taking a break is like a punishment is my guess :)

[@fernandob1782]

Is no one going to mention just how much of an absolute unit he was in those pictures 😮? Looking better than a body builder 💪

[@cooliodiablo4571]

I mean the guy was moving tons upon tons of stones. For over 50+ years using nothing supposedly, but a pick up truck, and the hammers god provided him to load them up. If you want to get built. That’ll do it lol 😂

[@davidsimmons8447]

I noticed.

[@therenaissanceman9586]

@@cooliodiablo4571 i used to work helping my dad during summers and after i got out of high school he did a lot of custom tile and stone work. We did many projects building fireplaces, pools, hot tubs etc. All out of stone and i was his cement mixer and stone carrier lol. i was pretty jacked for a few years of doing it but in this SC heat i dont miss it much except for working with my dad.

[@conspiracy_Thugz]

I thought that too lol he was big

[@Bumbaskida]

An example of what people looked like back when they worked for a living

[@iammrpete]

Thank you, Jim ! Seeing you do what only you could accomplish is proof enough for me 😊. Blessed, and you know it.

[@saneisha3450]

I hope the son protects this property by any means cause his dad put in alot of hard work and for one person that's amazing ( I SALUTE HIM FOR NOT PUTTING HIS DAD IN A RETIREMENT HOME)

[@elloeveryone7762]

My dad took me here when I was little-one of the few memories I have of him. Even as a toddler I remember being mesmerized by the dragon and all the steps. Thank you for building it for all of us to enjoy.

[@emilycroot6306]

That Man is a modern day Legend, we need more of him.

[@MuslimComputerTuts]

I've never heard of or seen this before in MY LIFE....now I wanna go with my kids to go see this. This is absolutely incredible 👏👏👏

[@iang528]

Love this place and loved seeing it change over the years and progress. Remember, going there as a kid, and now I've taken my wife and kids to see it. What an amazing landmark beautiful place to go.

[@garykorzelius5930]

Jim Bishop, you are truly an amazing man! Thank You!

[@antonioaiello6588]

Jim bishop’s determination and work ethic is amazing. I’m lucky enough to have met the man twice and he is an inspiration as to what someone can do when they put their mind to it.

[@michellesgarden5695]

You are so lucky. I cant even come to the US to meet Jim or see the castle...but it is certainly fabulous

[@MissElaineDumont]

Letting people just throw a Rave in there is just a nice thing to do. Jim just sounds like a wonderful guy. The kind of free spirit who just does things to live life.

[@thatguy9927]

Just visited this two weeks ago. I cannot express how thankful i am to have the experience, thank you and your father soooo much!

[@angelalovell5669]

Next time I'm in the US, this place is absolutely top of my list. I admire the builder more than I can express, and his son is a truly fine man.

[@Kelly-fk3oi]

Mr Bishop is the definition of a man who really rocks! PS His wonderful son doesn't fall far from the castle!

[@handleistakentryagain]

I've been in that and believe me he won't fall far. It was sketchy and wouldn't pass any inspection but I'd do it again it's really a work of art

[@0jmreitler9]

Any time I feel discouraged or have trouble getting something done, I’m going to watch this video. Quite an inspiring story.

[@bradbullen2099]

Here’s me thinking I’m the don after putting a shed up one Saturday afternoon. This is amazing! Such determination and skill. Loved it

[@brownsplains9459]

It looks like your dad's mind is still imaging what next he could have built if his health was still good. Thank you for not putting him in a home, let him enjoy his creation. Every sundown and morning he wakes is his happiness. Blessings to you and your dad.❤

[@jcat3409]

The amount of hard,grueling and painful back laboring work it took to do this is absolutely unbelievable.

[@sdafasdfasdfsda]

Hauling 3 tons of rock every 2 days! And I can't even get my butt to the gym to walk a treadmill lol.

[@richardmccann4815]

Just picking up 3 tons of rock and loading it on a truck is a lot of work, not even considering the walking and carrying and unloading it!

[@sdafasdfasdfsda]

@@richardmccann4815 Especially considering that the rocks were all scattered out in creeks and riverbeds.

[@ebazileyes1475]

​@sdafasdfasdfsda That's enough to tell you what the human mind and body can do IF it's determined and willing.

[@rhohonggi2577]

So humans can actually build the pyramids .. 😅

[@rethaf4747]

This video is so awesome! I admired his gift with his hands! I admired his son for keeping this history going❤

[@skylerdavis3432]

I hope this video hits 300 million views. What an inspiration to anyone who truly loves freedom. What a great example of how far human perseverance and ingenuity can push us if we choose to do hard things. While I’m sure this story has a flip side of things that wouldn’t be considered great, but this is still an awesome story of adventure and accomplishment.

[@DrWhite006]

Saw this as a teen in the early 80s. Took my wife there 15 years later, and then my kids 15 years after that. It is amazing to me how many people I've met over the years who have been there, most of whom are from nowhere near there. A true Colorado landmark. Thank you gentlemen. .

[@janeegibson3904]

How could 1 man do all of that?? That is AMAZING 😮

[@Mal_ware_666]

key work here, MAN.

[@nickchkheidze9189]

hard work, dedication and many years. It took me 5 yrs to build my house. Now i wanna sell it and build another one cs building stuff is exciting 😅

[@bro___ccoli1156]

He wasn't watching tiktok

[@saltywater236]

He wasn't doing OnlyFans

[@tubekulose]

In the Spanish village Mejorada del Campo one man even built a cathedral. It took him about 60 years.

[@martinalbert5653]

Jim Bishop is the REAL DEAL. Love this guy.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Absolutely remarkable. This man spent much of his life building this wondrous castle for the public, with never a thought of profit. What a legacy. What a man.

[@agnesagni]

And all this started with a kid experiencing a humiliation in a situation ages ago... His coping mechanism was to build something future generations can admire. Even so, it must have been an immense sacrifice from his family to support him in this endeavour, as the son said, his earnings going into building the castle, all his time going into making it, even sending his son away so that he can say he built it alone. There are elements in this story that are heartbreaking.

[@grarglejobber7941]

fun is fun until someone calls it work. Don't be that someone.

[@fricholas7608]

​@@grarglejobber7941 It was work thought.

[@snoop4470]

The son seems like he loves his father's story.

[@MrDdiaz84]

You must be proud of your dad . He did a great job

[@lunarwaslost]

Dude I like was in tears by the end of this man, I love people like this. Seeing parts of yourself in others. Even Jim's whole ideology on freedom. This was awesome shout to to Jim & his fam. Made my heart warm. Building a castle or fort speaks to that childhood part of me who would build little forts in the forest or mattress forts in your house. I know a lot of others resonate with this. Simply way to cool.

[@timekiller9555]

i Live about an hour away from this castle. my wife many years ago showed me this place, and i gotta say visiting this place in person was just breath taking.

[@calebdarnell2081]

I went to the castle as a kid! What you don’t see is how those upper levels sway in the wind and it is terrifying! Such a thrilling adventure

[@matusskalican5951]

Really? Thats crazy. Isn't it made of just rock and cement?

[@getmoney8751]

He literally put his blood sweat and tears into that castle salute to you sir 💯

[@zhaltys]

This short video represents how I see embodiment of freedom itself. The castle might not be beautiful or appealing to look at, depending on taste but it's not about that. It's about a man building whatever he likes however he likes. You want to build a castle - go ahead. You want to dig a hole with a stick? - go ahead. Do whatever you like as long as you're happy and you're not hurting others. This, in a way, is how I see American spirit as a foreigner. Such a great mindset and it's definitely worth sharing. Thank you.

[@zc1682]

You can tell he's proud of his dad's work

[@dear_darling]

his father's work is actually impeccable for the resources he had. there is a fineness and elegance to his metalwork and the fact that one man did this is a testament to the human spirit. Bravo to this man and his son who will inherit the legacy of the castle. Rave on!

[@michaelthomas5140]

I was driving on the 165 North and I couldn’t resist checking this castle out. This was about 20 years ago and it’s legendary in person. Great achievement by one man and his son.

[@jjbrowned313]

Godbless you Jim Bishop and may you have many more years with your Beautiful castle, and respect to his son for keeping it going.

[@grimmthrashr1035]

huge respect to this badass grandpa

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

Pure gold this! The castle is amazing and Jim is a fantastic human being. His son is just as incredible and I love everything the Castle stands for. Too bad Jim's health isn't the greatest, but don't kid yourself, he is enjoying his creation and the people that surround it, to the fullest!

[@Klaus.anal.Schwab]

What an incredible man God bless him. Incredibly inspirational and shows what determination and discipline can achieve.

[@diekritischestimme]

Your name is truth! 😀 "the gReAt tOiLeT" was the title of your book, right?!

[@abualofenkasi5634]

F Klaus Schwab!

[@SmokeyPyro]

And imagine that with a 10 man team, or 100 man, what they could achieve if all united and working on the same goal 🤯

[@Klaus.anal.Schwab]

@@diekritischestimme 🤣🤣🤣

[@hulahula6182]

Wow klaus Schwab, you going to reward the man with free bugs?

[@colasmusic8402]

This has got to be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. The creativity alone is incredible and the ability to create it into life is insane. Most people wouldn’t even know where to begin. I hope I get a chance to see this is person one day!

[@kristiernay5684]

Bishops Castle is great, I DJ’d at one of the raves held out there back in the late 1990’s put together by Interplanetary Productions. Good times at such a unique and cool place! It’s like the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.”

[@shawnvalverde2986]

Those parties were phenomenal! Thanks for the mix!!!

[@Leatherneck-jk9ew]

What an amazing man. He has a great legacy to leave. That castle is remarkable. Love it

[@Immortal_BP]

if i was a multi-millionaire i would definitely purchase the land around this place and build more stuff centered around the castle its so awesome

[@hannibalburgers477]

There was a guy in asia tried to build his own hillfort where I live. (Nowhere as big as this tho) His son turned it into a picnic place/park/coffee. Made multiple small open sided cabins, paved the roads erc. They offer breakfast, meatballs, different sorts of filled bread (breakfast bread, actually very much like calzones), Italian style olive oil bread, Turkish style buttery flat bread, wine, etc. etc. They make a lot of money. But the main problem was heating. No one comes in winter, and it is very cold to live in.

[@lucegene5223]

Greatest idea ever by one human. Love it. Proud of the owner. Great son also, with his understanding his father and his dream. May it stand a mighty long time.

[@jiat_spacejams]

I could be wrong but I believe the truly exceptional character of his son speaks volumes about who this man was and still is. Wonderful video and may God bless these people. ♥️

[@thetruth9747]

Great video. My favorite part of each trip is to visit with Jim and sometimes to have lunch together, and until recently, to walk around and listen to his history. Jim's a remarkable person with a remarkable history and vision. He's overcome the the obstacles that were put in his path and he has an accurate knowledge of how the world works. When you go, read what Jim has written ... be sure to take a moment to thank him for his work ... and consider making a donation, allowing all of us the privilege and freedom to visit this remarkable monument. All of us have the talent to do great things. What sets Jim apart is his dedication, commitment, and more importantly a passion to his art.

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you for your kind words and comments! More episodes coming out soon! Cheers- Guy

[@mamabearblue5622]

I'm absolutely in awe of this man. He reminds me a lot of my own dad, who sadly died in 1980. He didn't build anything like this castle, but he built other things, with his own vision too. I'm happy Jim has a son who understands him, & will keep going with the castle. It's great you've met him & it must be fascinating listening to him talk about the castle. There are few men, who accomplish great things, with very little. I'm so glad I came upon this video. I wish I could visit.

[@crystalewers1149]

I am a Colorado Native and was born in 1973 and have pictures as we visited year after year with each time witnessing to progression. The turret was pretty wobbly about 10 yrs ago. In the 1990s, the raves, I have no pictures for that. Thank you.

[@Loveoldies50]

Amazing! You did an amazing job. This castle will stand has a tribute to your memory for hundreds of years! VERY WELL DONE!

[@stephenmathis3299]

I went to this castle while starting to l with friends in Colorado one summer on my 20’s. I think it was like 1999. He actually allowed raves to be hosted there to pay for the build. Awesome walk down memory lane! Thanks for this! ❤❤🎉