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Treason in New York

In 1780, near the present-day Tappan Zee Bridge, a major spy drama unfolded, changing the course of the American Revolution.

Major General Benedict Arnold, believing that he was unrewarded for his military successes for the Patriot cause, secretly attempted to help the British capture the fort at West Point. On the night of September 21, Arnold gave British Major John André documents detailing the fortifications and troop strengths at West Point. If this information had reached the British command in New York City, the fort might easily have been captured.

André headed towards the British lines with the documents tucked in his boot. Fortunately for the cause of American independence, he was captured near Tarrytown. Thirty-year-old André was hanged as a spy, partly in reprisal for a similar British execution of the American patriot Nathan Hale.

Benedict Arnold escaped to New York City, eventually commanding British troops in the American Revolution. He died an unhappy exile in London, his name synonymous with treachery and betrayal.

The documents found in Major André's boot are among the 200 million records in the collections of the New York State Archives in Albany, New York.

Forces Estimate of the Forces at West Point and its dependencies. September 13, 1780.

Construction of the Redoubts, page 1 Details of the construction of the redoubts at West Point. This document is in Benedict Arnold's handwriting.

Construction of the Redoubts, page 2 Details of the construction of the redoubts at West Point. This document is in Benedict Arnold's handwriting.

Return of Ordinance Return of ordinance in the different forts, batteries, etc. at West Point and its dependencies, September 5, 1780, signed by S. Bauman, Major Commandant of Artillery.

Artillery Orders Artillery Orders, West Point, September 5, 1780. Disposition of the Corps in the case of alarm. This document is in Benedict Arnold's handwriting.

Map of the Hudson River from Croton Point to Peekskill in New York. Map of the Hudson River from Croton Point to Peekskill in New York. The map includes towns, mountains, rivers, lakes, railroads, ferry routes and important sites such as estates and locations related to Major John Andre from the Revolutionary War.

Old Treason House Old Treason House, Haverstraw, where the surrender of West Point was planned by Benedict Arnold. On Sept. 22, 1780, Benedict Arnold betrayed the plans of West Point to British spy Major Andre during the Revolutionary War.

Old Stone House, Major Andre's Prison. Old Stone House, Major Andre's Prison. Exterior view of an old stone house near Tappan, New York, where Major Andre was held prisoner during the Revolutionary War.

Smith Letter Letter from Joshua H. Smith, the intermediary of Arnold and André, to his brother at Haverstraw. September 25, 1780.

Men Necessary Estimate of the number of men necessary to man the works at West Point. This document is signed by Villefranche, engineer

Pass From Benedict Arnold Pass from Benedict Arnold, dated September 21, 1780, for Mr. John Anderson "to pass the Guards to the White Plains, or below, if He chuses, He being on Public Business by my Direction." Anderson was British Major John André.