Incredible World Record is Sitting in One New York Backyard

What makes the Thousand Islands so magical? Perhaps its the inspiring sunrise on the Canadian side of the St. Lawrence Seaway or the breathtaking sunset from the U.S. Maybe it includes views of storybook castles, a good fish story, a taste of craft beverages or a trip back in time. On the pristine waters or in quiet villages, there are thousands of things to see and do. Not just that, but the Thousand Islands hold a unique architectural world record.

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First of all, The Thousand Islands are a group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada. A fashionable retreat for the elite in the late 19th century, today the area is a hub for outdoor activities. It’s home to elaborate island mansions such as the German-style Boldt Castle on Heart Island, and Singer Castle on Dark Island, with its Gothic windows and secret passageways.

The World's Shortest International Bridge Connects a Homeowner in Canada to his backyard in New York.

Zavikon Island is home to a bridge that, at only 32 feet in length, is considered the shortest international bridge in the world. It connects a Canadian island with an American island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River.

It just so happens that these two islands were joined by a bridge because the smaller island is owned by the same person who owns the house on the larger, Canadian island. They use the smaller island as a backyard. However, the truth of this has been questioned as a tourist ploy since the 1880s, with both islands being in Canada according to some sources.

READ MORE: The Truth Behind Thousand Island Dressing

The boundary agreement that was drafted between Canada and the United States declares that no island can be split into two territories. Two-thirds of the islands in this bunch, the Thousand Islands, belong to Canada, but the total area of the Canadian islands is roughly equal to the other one-third, which are considered to be American territory.