Bancroft's castle, Stone ruins on Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts.
Bancroft's Castle is a stone ruin on a hilltop in Groton, Massachusetts, with remaining walls and a fieldstone tower. The structure stands open to the surrounding landscape and provides views across the countryside from its elevated position.
A general began construction in 1906 as a retirement home but could not complete his plan due to financial limitations. The building was later converted to a health facility before being severely damaged by fireworks in 1932.
The site bears the name of the general who originally commissioned its construction, and it draws hikers who explore the ruins along their routes through the area. The hilltop itself serves as a destination for people seeking views across the surrounding landscape.
The site is reached by hiking trails that begin from a parking area on the hilltop or from street parking on nearby roads. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and paths pass through wooded areas.
A fireworks accident on July 4th, 1932 destroyed the building in flames, leaving behind mainly the outer stone walls. This incident is often surprising to visitors because the ruins may appear as though they are centuries old, but their current form was actually shaped by a 20th-century event.
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