Explore the fascinating history of Bannerman’s Island Castle on Pollepel Island. From its grand beginnings to its haunted legacy, discover why this crumbling castle remains a must-see landmark.
Pollepel Island, also called Bannerman’s Island, is a small island in the Hudson River, about an hour’s drive from New York City.
It’s home to the remains of a castle that was once used to store military supplies. Even now, you can see a sign on it that says “Bannerman’s Island Arsenal.”
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History of Bannerman’s Island Castle
The castle was built by Francis Bannerman VI, a Scottish immigrant who moved to the U.S. in the mid-1850s.
He bought the island in 1901 to store leftover military equipment from the Civil War. At one point, the castle held 30 million rounds of ammunition and other surplus supplies.
Bannerman designed the castle himself and used it not just for storage but also as a way to advertise his business.
Back then, wealthy businessmen were like celebrities, and the castle, visible from the riverbanks, was a huge attention-grabber.
Bannerman even built a smaller castle at the top of the island as his family’s home.

Bannerman passing
Things started to go downhill after Bannerman passed away in 1918.
Construction on the castle stopped, and a few years later, a massive explosion—caused by two tons of explosives stored there—damaged part of the castle.
Some say lightning hit the flagpoles and caused the explosion, but locals blamed the island’s bad luck on spirits.
According to Native American tradition, the island was said to be haunted by hostile spirits.
The bad luck didn’t stop there.
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Pollepel crashed
In 1950, a cargo ship named Pollepel crashed into the island during a storm and exploded, causing even more damage.
The ship gave the island its modern name, though many still call it Bannerman’s Island.
Over time, new laws made the business harder to run, and when the ferry connecting the island to the mainland sank, the family left for good.
Then, in 1969, a fire destroyed most of what was left, leaving only the walls standing.
Today
Today, the castle is mostly in ruins. Weather, vandals, and time have all taken their toll.
In 2009, parts of the walls collapsed, and what’s left is crumbling more each year.
Even so, the island still has a unique charm. Volunteers take care of the gardens, and small groups of tourists can visit with a guide to learn about its history.
The Bannerman Castle Trust, a nonprofit group, helps preserve what’s left and raises money through tours and a book about the castle’s history.
Although the castle can’t be fully restored, many think that’s how it should stay—left to slowly fade away, returning to nature.
Some people take a boat just to see it from the water, enjoying the mysterious beauty of this hidden piece of history.
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