NY, Beacon — A mysterious island just south of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge is home to the ruins of a once-grand Scottish castle. At one time, this fortification loomed above the surrounding forests to serve as an impressive gateway to the Hudson Highlands. I still find myself spellbound by the ominous vision of this gloomy, lifeless edifice encircled by the surging tides of the Hudson River, which is the image I can still clearly recall from my childhood. On Pollepel Island, a magnificent ruin known as Bannerman’s Island Arsenal is currently crumbling in front of our eyes.
My desire to document the destruction and write about its enduring stories was sparked by the ruin’s recent decline.
Nearly 400 years ago, Pollepel Island was just as enigmatic as it is now. An incredible “arsenal” of tales from storytellers were centred on this gloomy, uninhabited island. We have the wonderful early legends of vengeful spirits, lost lovers, and ghostly goblins because storytelling was a widespread pastime and, like any story, over time these tales were naturally extended and blossomed into amazing historical accounts that were passed down by the area’s early residents.
The Early Myths
This 6.3-acre island was unoccupied for a very long time prior to Francis Bannerman building his fortress. Because the Native Americans believed the island was haunted by evil spirits, it was a popular place for settlers to hide during wars with the Indians.
Numerous legends have developed over time. The glittering ice formations sparkled in the sunlight as I strolled along the shore, and the legend of Polly Pell, which is credited with giving the island its name, came to mind. When newlywed Polly Pell (Pollepel) was rescued from the icy Hudson River following a romantic sleigh ride with her fiancé, the tale of Polly Pell (Pollepel) was told among Dutch settlers. When a slave saved them and gave the island Polly Pell’s name, the legend of Polly Pell was created. Polly and her new husband were washed up on the rocky shores by the ferocious currents of the frigid Hudson.
Among Hudson River sailors, Pollepel Island has earned a reputation for being notorious. Much of the magical folklore surrounding river passage across the Hudson Highlands is based on the remote island.
Famous author and Tarrytown resident Washington Irving’s short fiction “The Storm-Ship” recalls the account of a terrifying goblin clan that the Dutch believed lived on Pollepel Island. The Heer of Dunderburgh, who is rumoured to be in charge of the blustery winds and perilous seas of the Highlands, allowed these goblins to flourish. The Dunderburgh was a threat to the Dutch people. The fabled Flying Dutchman, which was lost in a terrible storm and sank just south of Pollepel Island, is what is meant by the term “storm ship.” According to the legend, the captain and his crew will spend all of time sailing the Hudson, and it has been said that during severe storms, one can hear their calls for assistance. A ship’s captain and crew acquired rights of passage for a secure voyage down the Hudson once they sailed past Pollepel Island.
It was up to the imagination whether ghosts, goblins, and evil spirits existed. On their first trips down the river, boat captains were known to cast new sailors off as a form of initiation.
These poor sailors were compelled to disembark to take their chances with the ghosts of Pollepel Island, frequently intoxicated and terrified out of their minds.
On the way back, they were picked up, and maybe they grew wiser and more courageous.
It is interesting that the following ghost story is about a tugboat captain who was enraged by Bannerman himself, given the history of Pollepel’s effect on sailors of that era.
A Remainder of the Bannerman Period
The visionary behind the steady expansion of the Scottish fortress known as Bannerman’s Island Arsenal, Bannerman, bought Pollepel Island in 1900 when his obsessive passion for gathering scrap metal gave birth to creating a huge arms manufacturer. Bannerman was able to construct a house that would serve as a memorial to his ancestry as his riches rose. Three arsenals, the lodge, the tower, and the superintendent’s home made constituted the castle’s six main parts. A family home with breathtaking views of the Highlands is also present.
Breakwaters that were created by old barges and vessels sinking were used to safeguard the land. One of the boats’ tugboat captain allegedly asked that his beloved ship not be sunk in his presence, but before anybody could react, the boat began sinking directly in front of the former captain’s eyes. The captain swore at Bannerman and cursed him. There are rumours that the boat’s bell would occasionally ring within the lodge, signalling that the captain had come back to keep his word.
The tugboat captain suffered a terrible loss that would send him to Bannerman’s castle for all eternity, and so would Bannerman.
A Castle in Disrepair
There have been plenty of negative things happen at Bannerman’s Island Arsenal. A wall was completely blown over to the mainland in a 1920 gunpowder and shell explosion. Mrs. Bannerman was one of three people hurt, and the incident caused $50,000 in damage. The worst incident happened in August of 1969 when a fire destroyed every building on the island. Unknown factors may have contributed to the consuming fire that left Francis Bannerman VI’s famed estate in ruins and destroyed it. This would not be the castle’s only unfortunate experience. Increased damage was sustained by the castle in late 2009 and early 2010, altering its appearance for all time. I wonder how long it can withstand the elements and how people will remember this complex history of hauntings.
Bannerman’s Island Arsenal in memory
Bannerman’s beloved castle no longer bears his name due to the recent collapses. The stories surrounding the castle will continue to haunt us long after it has vanished from history. Even if the tales are improbable, they add to the island’s attraction and might one day be the only thing that’s left of one of the Hudson Valley’s most fascinating historical places. I believe the quotation by Jane Bannerman best captures how I feel about Polly Pell’s island.
“No one can predict the future associations and occurrences that will involve the island. The little island will always have its place in history and legend and will be forever a jewel in its Hudson Highland setting, despite the fact that time, the elements, and perhaps even the island’s goblins, will take their toll on some of the turrets and towers and perhaps even the castle itself. — Jane Bannerman
Contributions and Island Tours
From shore, it is simple to see the island and castle. Route 9D will take you briefly south till you reach Breakneck Ridge. Park along the side of the road, then go over the railroad tracks on the bridge. Watch out for misbehaving trains!
