Walking In The Steps Of Major John André

During the American Revolution, New Rochelle was in the neutral ground or no-man's land that defined Westchester County. Patriots and Loyalists raided each other's farms. Militias and armies marched through the hills and valleys.

Among New Rochelle's connections to the war:

• General George Washington stopped here during 1775 on his way to assume command of the Continental Army in Massachusetts.
• The British Army briefly occupied sections of New Rochelle and Larchmont during 1776, leaving the areas in ruins.
• Following the war, Thomas Paine was presented with a farm in the community in honor of his service to the cause of independence.

The army and militia movements concerned both Patriots and Loyalists. During September 1780, the discovery of a treasonous plot to destroy the cause for independence would rattle Patriots throughout the colonies.

Revolutionary Westchester 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. One of these events was the plot hatched by American General Benedict Arnold.

This Man’s A Spy

Acknowledging 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 fortification at West Point, 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 through a variety of public outreach programs.

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

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

The events 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.

This Man’s A Spy will deliver an inclusive account of the historic events surrounding the Patriot militiamen’s capture of Major André of the British secret service as a spy. The description of the strength of the West Point garrison provided by Arnold was found in André’s boot. The September 1780 treasonous plot has connections to more than 30 locations across Westchester, 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 .