Sister Rain Note:
I first learned of Major John Andre while watching the AMC TV series, “TURN: Washington’s Spies.” I was totally hooked by the story of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.
A few years ago, I spent a day in Tappan, New York, the location where, upon General George Washington’s orders, Major Andre was hanged as a spy, a result of his involvement with Benedict Arnold in the plot to surrender West Point to the British. (Click here for “I Spy John Andre.”) Several sites remained in the area relating to Major Andre, as well as George Washington, that I had not yet seen.
Recently I returned to Tappan, New York to visit these locations.
The Old ’76 House in Tappan, New York, was built in 1668 and is the oldest tavern and restaurant in America. During the Revolutionary War, it was a meeting place for Patriots. General George Washington and his officers frequently dined here; Washington’s Headquarters when in the area, the DeWint House (click here) is less than half a mile away. Alexander Hamilton, whom you may have heard of, lived upstairs for the better part of three years. Today the establishment is part restaurant and part museum. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
What brought me to the Old ’76 House was the final chapter, for me, in the story of British officer Major John Andre.
Immediately upon entering, I felt the antique floorboards beneath me. They are not original, yet as far as I was concerned they were close enough. Perhaps it’s due to my lack of vision, but I am always connected to a place first through my feet and their contact with the ground.
There was a gentleman with a guitar performing in front of a fireplace. It took a bit of time to adjust, either due to my eyes and the dim lighting or the fact that I was a bit overwhelmed. I’m fairly certain the cause was the latter.
I was now standing in the building were Andre was incarcerated after he was captured near Tarrytown on September 23, 1780 carrying plans of West Point which Benedict Arnold had given him. A painting of Andre’s capture hangs above one of the fireplaces. Beneath it, a piece of marble from the now demolished Treason House, where Andre and Arnold met.
The tavern was not a prison (it has never been a place of detainment for anyone before or since) and Andre was kept in a designated room, not a shackle in sight. Five guards stood watch outside, one at each of the building’s four corners, the fifth continuously circled the premises.
Andre’s trial took place in what is now Tappan Reformed Church (click here). Found guilty as a spy, he was marched up the hill and hung on October 2, 1780.
The Old ’76 House’s interior is full of historical artifacts and paintings relating to Washington, Andre and Arnold. Great care has been taken in preserving the site and its contents. There is also a touch of whimsy, George and Martha greet you at the restrooms.
Giving the hostess our name and reservation time, she pulled two menus from under her podium. “I only have tables by the musician,” she said. My husband asked if we could wait until something else opened up. “Come look at this one table,” she countered. We followed her into another room.
“This is perfect,” Mister Rain said. “Thank you.”
I thanked her as well, sitting down, finally beginning to process where I was. “Wow. I can’t believe we’re here,” I quietly shared.
The restaurant’s menu consists of traditional American fare. I began with a raspberry margarita, my husband had a ‘76 House ale. Warm bread arrived before our entrees; I chose scallops with risotto and Mister Rain a steak with mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables accompanied both. Coffee and dessert followed; I went with chocolate ice cream (there’s always room for ice cream) and my husband peanut butter pie. Everything was delicious.
When we were finished our meal, we asked our server if the owner was available. We had read online that he will gladly talk history with you. A few moments later, he joined us at our table.
To be continued . . .
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