Major John André: "This Man's A Spy"

Practically everyone has heard about Benedict Arnold and his treasonous plot to surrender the Patriot garrison at West Point to the British. Not as many people, though, know about Major John André. The British officer received Arnold's plans but was captured in Tarrytown before he could return to the safety of the British lines.

Arnold escaped to the other side. André was tried and hanged as a spy. The series of events that occurred during September 1780 in one of the world's most infamous acts of treason could have ended the war abruptly and crushed the fledgling democracy.

This Man’s A Spy

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to the André-Anold Affair, Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250) is launching an aptly named initiative – This Man’s A Spy. The program will create community awareness, understanding and enthusiasm for the historical significance of this critical event in U.S. history. See the announcement here.

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 the250th 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, RW250 president 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 will be an important part of the commemoration as well.”

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 foiling Arnold’s treasonous plot. If Arnold’s plan had been successful, the loss of West Point could have led to an American defeat. See the RW250 video about the plot here.

Historic Sites Throughout Westchester

In Westchester, the plot involved critical actions by soldiers, their officers, members of the local militia and civilians who were Patriots, Loyalists, Native Americans, African-Americans, women and children. Among the more than 15 Westchester communities that witnessed events related to the plot are Armonk, Croton Point Park (Teller’s Point), Dobbs Ferry, South Salem, Ossining, Peekskill, Pleasantville, Tarrytown, Verplanck’s Point (King’s Ferry) and Yorktown. The plot also has connections to Rockland, Putnam and Orange counties.

RW250 and This Man's A Spy 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.

This Man’s A Spy welcomes the involvement of all Westchester County organizations and individuals interested in the county’s history to assist in the planning and oversight of programs, and to share local and family stories related to the people, places and events associated with this significant historical event. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of this critical period of local history should email ThisMansASpy@yahoo.com .