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Castles on the Hudson River, New York, USAVisiting The Hudson Valley’s Historic Mansions in NY State
The beautiful and majestic castles on the Hudson River make for an enjoyable vacation for those who love history with a little luxury.
In 2009, the Hudson River will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of its namesake making his famed voyage. New York was one of the first areas settled by Europeans, and it shows in much of the local architecture. Castles. Yes, New York has castles, and encourages visitors to enjoy them: the Castle on the Hudson, Bannerman Castle, and Lyndhurst. Castle On the HudsonConstructed in 1897, the Castle on the Hudson is both a historic wonder and a luxury hotel. The Castle is located not far from New York City in the Tarrytown, within a few miles from other historic sites like Sunnyside, Lyndhurst, Bannerman’s Castle, and Philipsburg Manor. The Castle’s design is less gothic than Lyndhurst. From its perch overlooking the Hudson, it could very well be overlooking the Thames. The spacious, tree-laden grounds are surrounded by a stone wall that isolates it from the town. Staying at the Castle is not cheap - expect to pay upwards of 300 dollars a night. But for ambiance and location, the Castle on the Hudson is hard to beat. Bannerman Castle in Cold SpringBannerman Castle is located on what was once called Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River, near Cold Spring. Native Americans and early Dutch settlers believed the island haunted, and even today ghost stories of the island exist. The island was used as part of the West Point river fortifications during the Revolutionary War. Barricades were placed in the river around the island to slow British ships, making them easier targets for cannon fire. The actual castle construction began (though was never completed) in 1901. It was the property of Francis Bannerman VI, who planned to use it to house his military arsenal. After his death, and a powder explosion in 1920, the island was abandoned. The Castle today is mostly in ruins and the island houses many hazards such as snakes, ticks and wreckage. However, river and walking tours are available for those seeking an adventure thanks to the Bannerman’s Castle Trust. Lyndhurst, Tarrytown’s Gothic CastleLyndhurst, located in Tarrytown not far from the Castle on the Hudson, is a Gothic-styled castle, one of the oldest in the Hudson Valley. It looms over the Hudson River like a stone gargoyle, strikingly visible from the Tappan Zee Bridge. Lyndhurst was designed in 1838 and has been the home of several notables, including early industrialist and railroad tycoon Jay Gould. Guided and self-guided tours of Lyndhurst are available to the visitor. Guided tours take 45 minutes. Admission is 12 dollars for adults, 5 dollars for children, and free for children under five years. Visiting the CastlesAll three of these sites are within twenty minutes of each other. An interesting itinerary for those with the interest, would be to stay at the Castle on the Hudson, visit Lyndhurst and the other local sites on one day. The next day, they can travel North for a tour of Bannerman’s Castle. Among the three, luxury and history come together on the Hudson River.
The copyright of the article Castles on the Hudson River, New York, USA in Castles/Forts/Cathedrals Tours is owned by Craig Sanders. Permission to republish Castles on the Hudson River, New York, USA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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