Hiking today I saw this little island in the Hudson that appeared to have ruins on it. It doesn't look like much in this picture because it was too far away. Through my binoculars I could see it was the remains of a castle.
Googling turned up lots of great pictures like this
It was built in 1901 by a wealthy munitions salesman named Francis Bannerman, a Scottish immigrant who patterned it after a Scottish castle. He used it for storage for all the equipment and munitions he'd buy and sell.
The Bannerman family lived in a house behind the castle that is equally impressive
The castle was mostly destroyed in a fire in 1969. Now it's owned by the Bannerman Trust, and you can book a boat tour up the Hudson to visit.
The pre- Bannerman history of the island turns up more interest. The island was seen to be haunted by the indigenous tribes of the area, the Munsee I think, and they wouldn't go near it. The early Dutch settlers also believed the island to be the home of spirits and goblins and stayed away from it.
I found this quote from Charles Bannerman, Francis' grandson, from 1962
“No one can tell what associations and incidents will involve the island in the future. Time, the elements, and maybe even the goblins of the island will take their toll of some of the turrets and towers, and perhaps eventually the castle itself, but the little island will always have its place in history and in legend and will be forever a jewel in its Hudson Highland setting.”
How cool. You weren't expecting a history lesson, so what a bonus to the hike! Now the question is, will you stay off that island? Although I'd imagine some sort of gate and locks are in place, I just know you're wanting to venture further.
