The Trail Of Intrigue In Northern Westchester

Among the many historical, natural and cultural sites in northern Westchester County are a series of locations that tell the story about a plot to destroy the fight for independence. Among the more than 15 Westchester communities that witnessed events related to General Benedict Arnold's plan to surrender West Point to the British are Armonk, Croton Point Park (Teller’s Point), South Salem, Ossining, Peekskill, Verplanck’s Point (King’s Ferry) and Yorktown.

During September 1780, as the struggle for independence continued throughout the colonies and on the frontier, one of the world’s most infamous acts of treason took center stage in this part of the county. The actions of Patriots prevented the plot that could have ended the war abruptly and crushed the democracy.

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. The events include the Major John André -- General Benedict Arnold alliance.

“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."

This Man’s A Spy

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to what General George Washington described as “treason of the blackest dye,” referring to traitor American General Benedict Arnold’s attempt to surrender the American fortification at West Point, RW250 is launching an aptly named initiative – This Man’s A Spy. Co-chaired by Lynn Briggs and Bob Fetonti, 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.

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See the This Man's A Spy announcement here.

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“We will cooperate with local volunteer groups at the events in Westchester and important sites in the other counties,” said Lynn Briggs, co-chair of This Man’s A Spy and a member of the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission. “We will collaborate with volunteers to design, plan and execute projects that acknowledge and interpret the plot through a variety of colonial era demonstrations, mobile applications, art, music, presentations, re-enactments, theatrical plays, driving, walking and biking tours, and videos.”

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 that 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 was discovered following a series of events and critical actions by soldiers, their officers, members of the local militia and civilians who were Patriots, Loyalists, Native Americans, African-Americans, women and children.

The initiative 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 in Tarrytown. The description of the strength of the West Point garrison provided by Arnold was found in André’s boot. The September 1780 treasonous plot also has connections to locations in Rockland, Putnam and Orange counties. See the RW250 video about the plot here.

Community Involvement Underway

“We are working with people who reside in the communities where the André-Arnold Affair occurred,” added Bob Fetonti, co-chair of This Man’s A Spy and a volunteer for the Westchester County Historical Society. “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 .