image credit: Nick Harris ccIn 1900, a military surplus dealer called Francis Bannerman bought Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, approximately 50 miles north of New York City. He soon set about building Bannerman's Castle on the rocky 6.5 acre island, as an arsenal for his growing collection of weapons and equipment.
After his death, Bannerman's Island Arsenal (spelled out in massive letters on the castle wall) remained in use as storage space even though the complex was never fully completed. An explosion in 1920 damaged the site. In 1950 a storm sank the island's boat which left the warehouse detached and unused.
