# Stronghold

- **Country:** the United States
- **Location Text:** Oregon, Illinois, built 1928–30 for Chicago newspaper publisher Walter Strong in the Tudor Revival style.

Stronghold Castle, also known as Stronghold Center, is a distinctive Tudor Revival structure situated atop limestone bluffs overlooking the Rock River near Oregon, Illinois. Constructed between 1928 and 1930, the estate was commissioned by Walter A. Strong, the prominent publisher of the Chicago Daily News, as a summer retreat for his family. The building was designed by architect Maurice Webster, who was also the brother of Strong's wife, Josephine. Although initially conceived as a simple barn and silo, the project rapidly expanded into an elaborate castle featuring sixteen bedrooms, nine bathrooms, eight fireplaces, decorative gargoyles, and hidden secret passageways. The construction utilized stone quarried directly from the site, with the exterior completed in nine months and the interior finished over the following year.

The architectural style reflects Strong's English ancestry, his extensive travels throughout Europe, and his admiration for the historical novels of Sir Walter Scott. Built at a cost of $85,000 during the onset of the Great Depression, the castle stands as a testament to the owner's vision and resources during a challenging economic era. Some historical accounts suggest the grandiose design may have also served as a competitive statement against rival newspaper publishers of the time. The property originally encompassed 360 acres of wooded land, providing a secluded and scenic environment for the Strong family's seasonal residence.

In 1962, the castle and its surrounding grounds were purchased by the Presbyterian Church, marking a significant shift in its purpose and ownership. Today, the facility operates as the Stronghold Center, serving as a year-round camping and retreat destination. It hosts various community events, including summer camps for youth and an annual Olde English Faire that celebrates the building's unique historical aesthetic. Despite the passage of nearly a century since its completion, the castle remains well-preserved and continues to function as an active hub for recreation and gathering, maintaining its status as a notable landmark in northern Illinois.

![Photo of Stronghold](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1a/Stronghold_Castle_southeast_view%2C_July_2011.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stronghold_Center (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)