The Bannerman Island Collection
Francis Bannerman VI was born in 1851 in Ireland. As a young boy, his family started a military surplus company, purchasing equipment, guns and ammunition from the Spanish and United States governments. As the business grew, Bannerman purchased Pollepel Island in 1900 to store his growing supply of military equipment. He then constructed an arsenal in the design of a castle, adorned with the legend “Bannerman Island Arsenal” in the outer wall.
The arsenal was never completed and construction ended after Bannerman died in 1918.
Over the years, numerous fires and explosions from leftover munitions, severely damaged the structure. Overgrown vegetation, along with natural weather-related destruction, has left the remaining structures in near ruins. All that is left are remnants of the outer walls.
The castle is in clear view from the Metro-North commuter train that travels North to South from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central Station in New York. Every day, hundreds of local commuters get a quick glimpse of the castle ruins as their train passes it in either direction. The island is very close to the land at this point and offers a crystal-clear view of the island.
The property is now owned by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Bannerman Castle from the Train
12 x 16 Oil on Canvas
By Rose Gennaro

Bannerman’s Castle
18 x 14 Oil on Canvas
By Rose Gennaro
Knowing that my paintings bring joy to others touches my heart and is the main reason I love to paint. I hope you enjoy this beautiful print!”
Kayaks are managed by a local company and tours depart from the Cornwall Landing in Cornwall-on-the-Hudson. The trip out to the island takes about 30 minutes by kayak, with kayakers braving the often choppy waters of the Hudson River.
What’s especially interesting are the various bulkheads and causeways that emerge and submerge with the tide.
The Bannerman Castle Trust is an organization dedicated to the preservation of Bannerman Island. Guided tours, theatrical events and movie night viewings are now available to the public.

Approaching Bannerman Island
10 x 20 Oil on Canvas
By Rose Gennaro

Bannerman Island in the fog
14 x 18 Oil on Canvas
By Rose Gennaro
If you are ever in the Hudson Valley area, near Newburgh, I absolutely recommend taking a tour of the island, or kayaking around it. You will be amazed at its history and unique appearance. There aren’t too may islands in the river with a castle built on it!