Pollepel Island /pɒlɨˈpɛl/ is an island in the Hudson River. Also known as Pollopel Island, Pollopel's Island, Bannerman's Island, and Bannerman Island, it is the site of Bannerman's Castle. Pollepel Island is about 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City and about 1,000 feet (300 m) from the Hudson River's eastern shore. It contains about 6.5 acres (26,000 m2), most of it rock.
The principal feature on the island is Bannerman's Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse. One side of the castle carries the words "Bannerman's Island Arsenal". It was built in the style of a castle by Gilded Age businessman Francis Bannerman VI (1851–1918), who had purchased the island in 1901.
The name pollepel is a Dutch word meaning "(wooden) ladle". The Bannerman Castle Trust organization, however, ascribes the name to a folklore tale about a young girl named Polly Pell becoming stranded on the island.
Read more about Pollepel Island: Early History, Bannerman's Castle, In Literature, In Music, In Movies
Famous quotes containing the word island:
“We approached the Indian Island through the narrow strait called “Cook.” He said, “I ‘xpect we take in some water there, river so high,—never see it so high at this season. Very rough water there, but short; swamp steamboat once. Don’t paddle till I tell you, then you paddle right along.” It was a very short rapid. When we were in the midst of it he shouted “paddle,” and we shot through without taking in a drop.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)