"This Man's A Spy" -- Patriots Who Saved The Revolution

A spy? In this part of Westchester? That's just a slice of the area's rich revolutionary history. In retrospect, the capture of this specific spy was a critical event during the fight for independence.

British Major John André traveled through northern Westchester County before and after his capture at Tarrytown during September 1780. André possessed the plans to the Patriot garrison at West Point that he had received from American General Benedict Arnold. Following his capture and identification, André was moved to various checkpoints under General George Washington's command. One of the locations is in present-day Armonk.

Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250), under the leadership of President Constance Kehoe, 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 Kehoe, 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."

This Man’s A Spy

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to what General Washington described as “treason of the blackest dye,” RW250 is launching an aptly named initiative – This Man’s A Spy. Co-chaired by Lynn Briggs, a member of the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission, and Bob Fetonti, a volunteer for the Westchester County Historical Society, this 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. See the This Man's A Spy announcement 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 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. More than 15 Westchester communities witnessed events related to the plot. The Armonk location, which includes markers, plaques and the remnants of a building foundation, was the site of Sand's Mill (Thomas Wright Mill). André was held here briefly following his capture. Other sites related to the plot can be found in Croton Point Park (Teller’s Point), Dobbs Ferry, South Salem, Ossining, Peekskill, Pleasantville, Tarrytown, Verplanck’s Point (King’s Ferry) and Yorktown.

“We are working with people who reside in the communities where the André-Arnold Affair occurred,” said Fetonti. “We are historians, teachers, authors, municipal leaders and preservationists who are passionate about our history and wish to make people aware of the historic events which occurred in their community and the importance of Westchester County in the American effort to win the Revolution.”

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 .