A tiny jewel in the setting of the Hudson Highlands is called Pollepel, now familiarly known as Bannerman Island. Once an uninhabited place, accessible only by boat, it was considered haunted by some Indian tribes and thus became a refuge for those trying to escape them. These superstitions and others promoted by later Dutch sailors make for many fanciful tales. Even the name Pollepel (Polopel) originated with a legend about a young girl named (Polly) Pell who was romantically rescued from the breaking river ice and landed on the island shore, where she was promptly married to her sweetheart, who rescued her and her companion. The island was thereafter called Pollepel.
Here's the short history lesson:
There's a connection to the American Revolution in attempted defense of the Highlands against the British fleet in 1777 using the famous "chevaux de frise". This was a device including mettle points to obstruct the passage of ships up the river, built by men commandeered from the local prison. The attempt was however, unsuccessful, as the British took to flat bottom boats and by passed it. One of the "points" is now on display at Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh, New York.
Since the time of the revolution there have been only five owners of the island - William Van Wyck of Fishkill, Mary G. Taft of Cornwall, Francis Bannerman of Brooklyn, New York and The Jackson Hole Preserve (Rockefeller Foundation), who donated the island to the people of the State of New York. (Taconic Region of New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.)
Take an On-Island Hard Hat Guided Walking Tours offered through Hudson River Adventures and The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. in cooperation with The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
All tours are two and a half hours and include a half-hour cruise to Bannerman Island-Hudson Highlands State Park, and a one and a half hour guided tour of the island and a one half hour return cruise to Newburgh or Beacon. The tour includes a new film featuring renowned stage and screen actress, Jane Alexander, who narrates the early history of Bannerman Island. The Bannerman Island-Hudson Highlands State Park walking tour requires walking up and down 68 steps, steep inclines and sometimes rough trails. Wear sturdy shoes and bring insect repellant! The island currently is not handicapped accessible, however, a film is supplied for people who cannot tour the island.
Tours are given on HUDSON RIVER ADVENTURE’S , a 55’, 46 passenger vessel, The Pollepel on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 noon, departing from Torches Restaurant’s dock at the Newburgh waterfront. Tours are also available from the new dock at the Beacon waterfront on Saturdays and Sundays departing at 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $40 per person Reservations Required!
www.bannermancastle.org
more