Builder of Bishop Castle, largest one-man project in the world, dies at 80

RYE, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) – The man behind one of the most iconic structures in Colorado history has died at the age of 80.

People have traveled from around the state and the country to visit Bishop Castle in Rye.

James Roland, the man responsible for building what is considered to be one of the largest one-man projects in the world, was born on Feb. 24, 1944. He died on Thursday.

A post on the official Bishop Castle Facebook page confirmed Roland’s passing.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Bishop family announces the passing of James Roland Bishop,” the post reads in part. “Jim passed away early November 21st in Pueblo, surrounded by his loved ones. Services will be announced at a later date.”

Bishop Castle has always been free for guests to visit. It has served as a venue for a number of events, from weddings to school field trips.

The castle’s construction began as a one-room stone cottage near the San Isabel National Forest in 1969.

Roland continued to build it as more and more people began visiting.

People would offer to help him build it but never follow through, according to the castle’s website.

Eventually, Roland decided to build it entirely on his own, turning the castle into a one-man project enjoyed by countless people over the years.

Roland continued to add to the castle for decades, and it became known as the world’s largest one-man project.

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