Bannerman Castle

Bannerman Castle is a ruin on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, featuring stone walls with Scottish-inspired architectural details throughout. The building originally served as a warehouse with multiple chambers designed to store military ammunition and equipment.

Francis Bannerman VI built the fortress between 1901 and 1908 to store excess military ammunition from the Spanish-American War. The structure was later abandoned and fell into ruin after the location lost favor as a storage site.

The castle and its remaining structures represent the industrial heritage of the Hudson Valley region during the early twentieth century military surplus trade.

The castle is accessible only by boat from Beacon or Newburgh, as the island has no bridge connection. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is steep and uneven in places.

The exterior walls display large painted letters that can be read by train passengers traveling along the Hudson River. This striking lettering was originally advertising for the arms depot and remains one of the most distinctive features of the deteriorating structure.

Location: Fishkill

GPS coordinates: 41.45604,-73.98798

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:07