Revolutionary Treason And Spying

One was caught - British Major John André. Three Patriot militiamen snagged him at Tarrytown and discovered the plans to West Point in his boot. Attired in civilian clothing, he was considered a spy. André was tried and hanged.

The accomplice got away - American General Benedict Arnold. He was the mastermind behind the treasonous plot and had been negotiating with the British for some time. However, the officers of the British Army, though welcoming the information, never seemed to prefer Arnold's treasonous actions.

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to what General George Washington described as “treason of the blackest dye,” referring to Arnold’s attempt to surrender the American garrison at West Point, Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250) is launching an aptly named initiative – This Man’s A Spy. The effort will create community awareness, understanding and enthusiasm for the historical significance of this critical event in U.S. history through a variety of public outreach programs.

The program will cooperate with local volunteer groups at the events in Westchester and important sites in the other counties. More than 30 sites in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange counties are associated with the André-Arnold Affair. Volunteers will assist with the designing, planning and execution of projects that acknowledge and interpret the plot through a variety of colonial era demonstrations, mobile applications, art, music, presentations, re-enactments, theatrical plays, driving, walking and biking tours, and videos.

See the This Man's A Spy announcement here. See the RW250 video about the plot here.

This Man’s A Spy will feature the stories about the Patriots of Westchester County who primarily were responsible for the capture of André and foiled Arnold’s plot. If Arnold’s plan had been successful, the loss of West Point could have led to an American defeat.

About RW 250

RW250 is Westchester County’s commitment to remembering the local events and people associated with the American Revolution in accordance with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. With the upcoming observation of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America during 1776, many local events preceding, during and after the Revolutionary War will be recognized by RW250.

“With the legislation recently passed in Albany creating a 250th Commission, the State of New York will join other states in the national plans for the 250th commemoration,” said Constance Kehoe, president, RW250, and a resident of Irvington. “As the legislation points out, New York played a leading role in the struggles in the ensuing nearly 250 years to more fully realize - for all groups - the ideals of the revolution. Those ongoing movements," added the Irvington resident, "will be an important part of the commemoration as well.”

Historians, teachers, authors, municipal leaders, preservationists and all others who are passionate about history and wish to make people aware of the historic events that occurred in their community during the American Revolution are invited to get involved with This Man's A Spy. Email ThisMansASpy@yahoo.com .

Programs will continue during the 250th nationally planned commemorative year of 2026 and then through 2033 to mark the full eight years of the American Revolution (1775-1783) that includes the anniversary of the betrayal.