Treason Plot Could Have Affected Outcome Of War

Just four years following the events of 1776, as the fight for independence continued throughout the colonies and on the frontier, one of the world’s most infamous acts of treason took center stage in Westchester County. The series of events, involving communities in present-day Yorktown, could have ended the war abruptly and crushed the democracy.

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, Revolutionary Westchester 250 (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, this effort will create community awareness, understanding and enthusiasm for the historical significance of this critical event in U.S. history.

“We will cooperate with local volunteer groups at the events in Westchester and important sites in the other counties,” said Briggs. “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.”

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See the 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 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.

Under the leadership of President Constance Kehoe, 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 in 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."

Northern Westchester Historic Sites

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. Besides Yorktown, these events occurred in Croton Point Park (Teller’s Point), South Salem, Ossining, Peekskill and Verplanck’s Point (King’s Ferry).

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. Involvement of all Westchester County organizations and individuals interested in the county’s history is encouraged 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 .