49 Abandoned Landmarks That Are More Beautiful Than Ever

41. Bannerman Castle, Pollepel Island, New York, USA: Hudson River's Ruined Fortress

Rising like a forgotten European keep from Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, Bannerman Castle is the ruin of an early 20th-century military surplus warehouse. Francis Bannerman VI built this elaborate, castle-like structure to store his wares. Explosions, fires, and neglect over decades have led to its picturesque decay. Its crumbling stone towers and walls, visible from a distance and accessible via guided boat tours, offer a dramatic and romantic spectacle, a unique piece of American eccentricity slowly surrendering to the elements amidst scenic river views.