Monroe County Civil War Round Table

The History of Bannerman Island Arsenal

Toward the end of the Civil War Centennial (1965), Matt Switlik and a number of Michigan friends were able to access the massive store of 19th century military goods still in inventory at the legendary Bannerman Island Arsenal in the Hudson River, 5 miles upstream from West Point Military.  The private island was never open to the public for many good reasons. 

The program for May 9th 2024, is based on a recent documentary which is the most complete statement about Francis Bannerman and his company which started with a young Scottish immigrant, salvaging waste rope in naval dockyards to survive while his father was in the Navy during the Civil War. After the war he became one of many bidders purchasing war surplus at government sales.  After the Spanish American War, he purchased 98% of the US and Spanish military surplus.   Much of the surviving material of those and other 19th century conflicts has survived in private ownership, due the Bannerman company.

The documentary was produced and filmed by Bayley Sillect, over a 10 year period.  Bayley is a professional film creator based in New York.  With permission of the producer, about 25 minutes of the 90 minute, film will be run with additional commentary by Mr. Switlik.  A selection of militaria from the Island will also be on display. 

Matt Switlik grew up in Kansas where his Civil war interest began with his mother's family history. He moved to Michigan during the Civil War Centennial 1961-65 and became active in the North-South Skirmish Association where his interest gravitated to Artillery.   Following military service in Korea, he was Director of the Monroe County Historical Museum 1969-2004.