View No. 14: Bannerman’s Castle

Watercolor on Linen / 14“ X 20”

North of Cold Spring, Hudson passed an island that local Indians, (most likely the Wappingers), once thought to be haunted. In 1900, a romantic Scottish-style castle was built here as a warehouse for a war surplus business, and a depository for a private war-memorabilia collection.

 The buildings were often hit by lightning, and after being partially destroyed by the explosion of ammunition in 1920, the warehouse and the adjoining house were abandoned. For years these structures deteriorated, becoming little more than romantic ruins. Officially called Pollopel Island, this island is now owned by the State of New York and can be visited by arrangement only.