Why Pollepel Island is Totally Forbidden

In this video, we explore the mysteries and tragedies of Bannerman Castle, a crumbling fortress on an island in the Hudson River, New York. Built by Frank Bannerman as an arms storage facility, this site hides a history of decay, crime, and death. Join us as we uncover a dark past and ruins that still echo stories of power, tragedy, and mystery.

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

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» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Ryan Socash,
Editor - Karolina Szwata,
Host - Ryan Socash
Music/Sound Design: Dave Daddario

» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

[manonthemoog]

Taking a tour of this Island was at the top of my bucket list. Despite the limits on how close you are allowed to get to the main building, I really enjoyed the tour. There is a smaller building that I had no idea was on the island that cannot be seen from the water. It was used as a residence at some point, and people are allowed inside it.

[christopherandersch]

In the late 1950’s I good friend of mine visited the island to acquire some civil was surplus sharps ammunition, he told me that the buildings were made of concrete that used cannon and rifle barrels as rebar, (the barrels were cheaper than rebar) out front he saw 2 hotchkiss mountain guns, one complete, and one with a damaged breech, both listed for 25 dollars, after getting inside he was amazed by the literal mountains of moldy leather civil war surplus ammo belts and cases, as well as piles of Spanish American war arms.
Most of the gun parts and accessories were sold to a man named Val Forgett, founder of the company Navy Arms, a business that still sells those parts from bannerman island.

[danieldmyers]

So he was falsely accused of something which was then fueled by the media, creating mass public confusion, and they arrested those responsible for the errant waste of resources and money. If only those using that slimy playbook still faced consequences for their actions…

[fennec]

I visited Pollepel Island and saw Bannerman castle pre-collapse back in about 2008, you could take a boat our from Beacon to the island as a walking/ guided tour. It was quite an amazing place. I wish i could have seen it before the fire, but at least i saw it before so many of the walls collapsed !

[twoheart]

I've got a Bannerman catalog from around 1910, full of cool military relics & firearms. Fascinating history.

[neilmarsh]

Access is "Totally Forbidden" except various events and tours. Good presentation except for the lame click-bait title.

[its_blacknblue]

Who reads the comments while listening

[lillekenatnek]

Pollepel translates to ladle. So Pollepel Eiland in Dutch translates to Ladle Island. Funny to see our Dutch language and names in the United States and all across the globe :)

[stephencurry]

Proving the fact that no-one cares as much as the originator. Children are an especially cruel interpretation of even those supposedly closest to you, they could not care less. Tragic.

[Demetrisadventures]

You always do a great job at these videos

[nicks]

The Indian's referred to the island as Menahtis, meaning small island. In 1965 the Bannerman family donated the Capsan from the Battleship Kentucky to the Smithsonian. A neighbor's uncle was part of the crew who helped recover it from the island.

[DeanStephen]

Governments are terrible trustees of historical sites and buildings. This fact bodes ill for Bannerman Castle.

[J.M.Chadwick]

Very well done! During my many train trips over the years from Albany to NYC, I always sit on the right side of the coach to observe the river and its many attractions. Bannnerman's Island and West Point being just two of them. It's one of the most beautiful train trips in the United States.

[robertbeermanjr.]

Another fine professional presentation Mr Socash. Thank You

[ardeladimwit]

3:50 story is okay, but you weren't very careful on the pictures/image. You post an image of Brooklyn Bridge about 40years premature of its existence as the drafts for foundations were sketched in 1867 and bridge began construction in 1870 and completed in 1883-- so your timing is really way off. The "castle" was built in 1901 which is about 20 years before Prohibition which was 1920-1922. You just mish everything together without much careful accuracy. Maybe the agreement was to keep island alcohol free, but has almost nothing to do with Prohibition. Canadian Prohibition 1918=1920. So not exactly accurate.

[bradberry]

I have had the privilege to visit Pollepel Island on several occasions as well as work on the island. It is a fascinating place to visit.

Thank you Ryan for this post. Once again you are on point.

[Nylon_riot]

I wonder if that explosion was really an accident.

[sheldonkorpett]

Been on the island and kayaked around it a few weeks ago. Very cool

[Mars]

Pollepel translates in english too ladle, it is a stirring tool

[Interbert]

great video, the best translation from dutch for Pollepel is Soup serving spoon. the word Pollepel means Soup serving spoon in dutch.