Bannerman Castle on the Hudson River

The first time I saw Bannerman Castle, I was on the train from NYC to Rutland, Vermont. I had no idea what I was looking at and once arriving at my destination, I researched what on earth this dilapidating structure was in the middle of the Hudson River. I learned that the island of Pollepel was purchased in 1900 by Frank Bannerman to house ammunition and he proceeded to build a castle as a weekend home.


Needless to say he was a rich man who liked to recycle and there were a couple accidents on the island that led to its current state. Moral of the story: don't use creosote soaked boards for the flooring when gun powder is housed in the building next door. This is what remains after an explosion, a fire, and decades of vandalism.


It was a really enchanting deserted place that has undergone much transformation since it's glory days. The view of the Hudson River is also spectacular.