Ossining's Role In Revolutionary West Point Plot

On the night of September 22, 1780, British Major John André disembarked from the British sloop-of-war Vulture that was anchored in the Hudson River. He had an appointed rendezvous with American General Benedict Arnold on the shore of Rockland County.

Patriot cannon fire from the Westchester County side of the river (Teller’s Point - Croton Point Park) forced the Vulture to return fire with its guns. One of the ship's balls landed in Ossining's Sparta Cemetery (photo). The exchange fire initiated a series of events that eventually would reveal Arnold's treason.

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to what General George Washington described as “treason of the blackest dye,” 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 period in
U.S. history, and Ossining's role, through a variety of public outreach programs. See the This Man's A Spy 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 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.

“RW250 is collaborating with local and regional groups to promote heritage tourism and to enhance the experience of the war for independence for Westchester residents,” said Constance Kehoe, president of RW250 and a resident of Irvington. “We are working with heritage and historic, art and cultural, and educational organizations along with libraries, veterans’ organizations, municipalities, private businesses and others to commemorate Westchester County’s contribution to the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great country. Treason and a spy – and, thankfully, quick-thinking Patriots – in our midst are part of our story.

“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,” added Kehoe. “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.”

André-Arnold Affair

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

Critical actions by soldiers, their officers, members of the local militia and civilians who were Patriots, Loyalists, Native Americans, African-Americans, women and children are connected to the André-Arnold Affair. 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, Peekskill, Pleasantville, Tarrytown, Verplanck’s Point (King’s Ferry) and Yorktown.

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. Anyone who wishes to volunteer to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of this critical period of local history should email ThisMansASpy@yahoo.com .