About Bannerman Castle
A crumbling castle rises from a small island in the Hudson River, but it was never a royal residence. Military surplus dealer Francis Bannerman built the fortress-like complex to store his enormous stock of weapons and ammunition. Explosions, fire, and decades of weather turned the island arsenal into one of New York’s strangest ruins.
Pollepel Island is not a place to explore on your own. The Bannerman Castle Trust offers scheduled, ticketed trips that bring visitors to the island and explain its improbable history. Check the current tour calendar and departure point before traveling.