From The Archives

Castle Story

The house was built in 1903 by Charles Kidd, who had been commissioned by the exchequer of a European count. However, the exchequer had stolen the count's money and ran away with his wife! They came to North Dakota in the early days of the railroad, thinking it would be virtually impossible to de discovered in this "remote" setting. When the house was nearing completion, word came that someone, somehow, had indeed located them. They disappeared immediately, leaving behind an unpaid bill for the house. The lumber yard inherited this beautiful,well-built structure.

In 1955, the Red Owl grocery chain bought the prime downtown Mandan lot where the house was located. Therefore, the house was auctioned. My parents, Peter and Mary Syvrud, bought it and moved it two miles south of Mandan to its present ideal location. The hilltop panoramic view from these 2.25 acres is stunning in all four seasons.
One experiences fresh clean air here and unlimited, unobstructed views of magnificent sunrises.

The Mandan-Bismarck area has a large medical complex, an airport, the state capitol, great shopping, three colleges, one university and excellent K-12 schools both public and private. In fact, Fort Lincoln Elementary is within easy walking distance of Castle and is on the bus route.

We are close to Fort Lincoln State Park, miles of recreational trails, legendary hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, water and cross-country skiing, boating, rodeos, ranches, folk festivals and farms. Teddy Roosevelt's home in the Badlands National Park and the Lewis and Clark expedition outposts are just a few hours away.
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The German-Scandinavian heritage of this area brings a delightful flavor of friendliness, a strong work ethic, good food and healthy fun. It is simply a great place to raise a family.