Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island

Sitting in the Hudson River of New York is a 6.5 acre island only accessible by boat. We set out one weekend to visit the island on a guided ferry tour to walk among the ruins where "Bannerman Castle" once stood. I'm sure I don't need to fill you in on what our two teenagers were thinking when we told them we were going to NY for the weekend to tour ruins on an island.  We had seen many pictures of the ruins in our internet searches, but once the ferry brought us closer to the island we realized the pictures didn't do it justice.

Even though part of the castle had been burned by a fire years ago, what remained was still a perfect piece of history with much detail on the castle walls helping your imagination piece together what it once was.

As a young teenager, Frank Bannerman started out his career owning a scrap metal business in Brooklyn. Over the years his business grew into selling munitions and eventually full ships, and is considered founder of the modern day army-navy store. But owning such large amounts of inventory, city laws forced him to find storage elsewhere. Needing a secure and large enough location for his business could have proven to be difficult, but fortunately his son came across Pollepel Island while out canoeing the Hudson. Frank purchased the island in 1900, and over a 17 year period designed all the islands buildings, moats, and garden walls without the help of professionals. When I first saw this castle, I assumed this was his home. This amazing place was actually used for his business and as you come closer to the island "Bannerman's Island Arsenal" is still very clearly stated on the side of the building that survived the fire.

Fortunately, the fire happened many years later in 1969, far after Frank's family no longer owned the island, but unfortunately the suspicious fire ruined a piece of history. The island today still shows beautiful flower beds, paths and remaining statues that Frank's wife once cared for. Today, NY Parks and Recreation now own the island and the "Bannerman Castle Trust" helps maintain it. The family home which is located at the top of the island is currently being renovated to allow the public in and tour someday. The Bannerman family used this smaller castle as their summer home.

Unfortunately, not much has been done to restore the castle that once held the family business. The walls that remain are braced to keep the rest of the castle from crumbling.

Ironically with the type of business Frank owned, he once described himself as a man of peace. In fact he once stated in one of his business catalogs that he hoped his collection of arms would someday be known as "The Museum of the Lost Arts." I for one would love to see his "hope" become a reality. It may not have happened in his lifetime or perhaps won't become one in mine, but like Frank, I also hope this becomes a lost art someday myself.

Related Links:
Bannerman Castle Tours
Part Two of our New York Adventure