right|thumb|upright=1.25|The island and castle viewed from atop [[Breakneck Ridge]]

Pollepel Island is a uninhabited island in the Hudson River in New York, United States. The principal feature on the island is Bannerman's Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse.

Description

Pollepel Island has been called many different names, including Pollopel Island, Pollopel's Island and Bannerman's Island,

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Construction ceased at Bannerman's death in 1918. In August 1920, 200 pounds of shells and powder exploded in an ancillary structure, destroying a portion of the complex. Bannerman's sales of military weapons to civilians declined in the early 20th century due to state and federal legislation. After the sinking of the ferryboat Pollepel, which had served the island, in a storm in 1950, the arsenal and the island were left essentially vacant. The state took possession after the old military equipment had been removed, and donated relics to the Smithsonian Institution. For a short time, tours of the island were given in 1968. through the Bannerman's Castle Trust.

On April 19, 2015, the island was the destination of a kayak trip taken by Vincent Viafore and his fiancée, Angelika. Viafore drowned, and Angelika was charged with his murder. On July 24, 2017, she pled guilty to criminally negligent homicide and served a short time in prison.

On June 28, 2015, the public art piece Constellation by Beacon-based artist Melissa McGill debuted on and around the castle ruins. The work consists of seventeen LEDs mounted on metal poles of varying heights, which when lighted for two hours each night are intended to create the appearance of a new constellation.

The island is maintained by The Bannerman Castle Trust, a nonprofit organization of volunteers that secures funding to stabilize and improve structures on Pollepel Island and to educate the public about the island's history. The Trust also offers guided tours of the island.

In literature

Bannerman Castle by Barbara Gottlock and Thom Johnson was released through Arcadia Press in August 2006. The book contains almost 200 vintage photographs, and the authors' text documents the island's growth and decline. Proceeds from the book go to the Bannerman Castle Trust in its ongoing efforts to preserve and improve the island's structures. Wesley Gottlock and Barbara H. Gottlock authored a children's book titled "My Name is Eleanor".

References

  • Bannerman Castle Trust
  • Francis Bannerman Sons, Inc. records at Hagley Museum and Library
  • Bannerman family papers at Hagley Museum and Library