"This Man's A Spy" - The Plot To Destroy Independence

During this year's 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Port Chester residents will be reminded about the community's distinctive role during the Revolutionary War.

The area, along with much of Westchester, was neutral ground. The area was subject to marauding and devastation from both sides and its population was divided between Patriots and Loyalists. Families often faced divided loyalties. A witness to this turmoil, the Bush-Lyon House, is believed to have been used on several occasions during the war by Patriot General Israel Putnam.

As residents faced daily obstacles related to the war, a plot to end the conflict had been hatched and finally was unfolding in Tarrytown. One September 23, 1780, British Major John André was captured with the plans to the Patriot garrison at West Point. Quickly, treason was identified and it pointed directly toward American General Benedict Arnold.

Revolutionary Westchester

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.

“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 Mrs. 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.”

This Man’s A Spy

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to the treason plot, 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 that will include colonial era demonstrations, mobile applications, art, music, presentations, re-enactments, theatrical plays, driving, walking and biking tours, and videos.

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See the This Man's A Spy announcement here. See the RW250 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 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. The plot has connections to more than 30 locations across Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Orange counties.

Community Involvement Underway

This Man's A Spy is working with people who reside in the communities associated with the André-Arnold Affair. Historians, teachers, authors, municipal leaders and preservationists who are passionate about history and the importance of Westchester County in the American effort to win the Revolution are engaged in the program.

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 .