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 Tappan Reformed Church in Tappan, New York was founded by Dutch settlers in 1694. The first official church building was erected in 1716.
During the Revolutionary War, the church was used as a hospital following the 1778 Baylor Massacre (click here).
In 1780 the trial of British Major John Andre was held here. Charged with conspiring with Benedict Arnold to acquire plans of West Point, Major Andre was found guilty and sentenced to be executed by hanging by General George Washington.
Tappan Reformed Church was rebuilt on the same location in 1788 and the edifice that stands today was constructed in 1835.
I had visited the site of Major Andre’s death as well as the home Washington used as his headquarters when in the area, the the DeWint House (click here), located two miles from the church. I would have loved to have seen the actual structure where Major Andre’s trial occurred, but I was very happy that I could complete another chapter of his story.
Now, just one stop was left. How appropriate that at this final historical spot I would be able to raise a glass to a story that had captivated me for over a decade.
To be continued . . .
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