Benedict Arnold, a Traitor in the American Revolution:

Although Benedict Arnold fought many battles in the American Revolution victoriously; he will mostly be remembered for his treachery as a traitor. It appears from historical documents that Arnold believed he was not sufficiently rewarded by his country nor respected by his fellow officers. He also wanted to maintain the high standard of living he afforded himself and his wife Peggy.

While the British had occupied Philadelphia, his beautiful and flirtatious wife Peggy enjoyed the attention of the British. Among her many admirers had been British major John André. It is believed that Peggy connected her husband Benedict Arnold with Major André. "Benedict Arnold wrote pages of U.S. military secrets and convinced John André to carry them back to British headquarters concealed in his boots." In response, André assured Arnold that if he helped the British, he would be richly rewarded.

André established a code by which he and Arnold could communicate, and they did so in the months to follow. However, André let Arnold know that he wanted something that would help the British to capture West Point, a military complex on the western shores of the Hudson River, and where approaching vessels could be sighted and where the Americans could command the Hudson River waterway.

Arnold sent André the reply he wanted. Arnold stated, in his own handwriting, that he would surrender West Point for a guaranteed payment of 10,000 pounds.

Decoded message from Benedict Arnold to André:
"the following Preliminaries be settled previous to cooperating. - / First, that S[ir]. Henry secure to me my property, valued at ten thou- / sand pounds Sterling, to be paid to me or my Heirs in case of / Loss; and, as soon as that happens [strike out] shall happen, ---- hundred / pounds per annum to be secured to me for life, in lieu of the / pay and emoluments I give up, for my Services as they shall / deserve - If I point out a plan of cooperation by which S[ir}. H[enry]. / shall possess himself of West Point, the Garrison, etc. etc. etc. twenty / thousand pounds Sterling I think will be a cheap purchase for / an object of so much importance. At the same time I request / thousand pounds to be paid my Agent - I expect a full / and explicit answer - The 20th I set off for West Point . . ."

With this arrangement in mind, Arnold tried to get command of the West Point complex. He often visited West Point, while continuing to send André confidential information. During discussions with General George Washington, Arnold convinced Washington to give him, Benedict Arnold, command of West Point.

On September 22, 1780 André and Arnold met in a private and secluded area. During this meeting that lasted for hours into the night, André's getaway ship, the Vulture, moved position due to the Americans firing on the ship. Arnold provided André and his escorts with passes, an expensive horse, and six pages of information about West Point. André placed secret papers in his boots.

On the morning of September 25, 1780, while having breakfast in his home, a messenger delivered a letter to Arnold. The letter stated that Major André had been captured. After a court hearing, André was condemned to death by hanging. On Monday, October 5, 1780, at noon, André was hung. He was 30 years of age.

As news about General Benedict Arnold spread throughout the country, patriots felt a renewed strength and purpose. Their country was attacked from within. Benedict Arnold, a distinguished Revolutionary War general, became a traitor. In answer to Arnold’s treacherous acts, Americans united in patriotic fervor and spirits soared in a "unity of purpose".

In 1780, Arnold led a British raid on New London, Connecticut. Arnold and his family fled to England in December, 1781. In England, Arnold tried repeatedly to secure a high military position with the British army. After many failed attempts, he turned to trade. Benedict Arnold died on June 14, 1801. Benedict Arnold is buried in England.

Press blue button for more information about Benedict Arnold and Major André.

Sources:
Dell, Pamela. 2005. Benedict Arnold, From Patriot to Traitor:l (Series - Signature Lives) 2005/01/01, Publisher - Compass Point Books
Collections of the Clements Library, and the Goldstar Collection
Spy Letters of the American Revolution

Press blue button for an exhibit on spy letters from the William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Gallery of Letters provides a brief description of each letter and links to more information about the stories of the spies in the letter and the secret methods used to make the letter.

Read the letter that John André sent to Benedict Arnold through his agent Joseph Stansbury. The letter instructed Benedict Arnold in the types of information to gather for the British and the ways to relay this information secretly. Read more about Benedict Arnold in the American Revolutionary War.

Press blue button for a record of the exhibit, as it appeared in the display cases of the William L. Clements Library. Each page features an image of a single display case and its contents, with details of the artifacts and the accompanying text.

This exhibit guides you through a comprehensive study of George Washington

Few men have had as profound an influence on the course of recorded human history as George Washington. He precipitated a military skirmish that literally started a world war. It resulted in Britain's conquest of Canada and much of our own Midwest, including Michigan. He served as Commander in Chief throughout the American Revolutionary War, the very embodiment of the conflict. As our first President, he endowed our political system with many of the precedents that make the United States the unique nation that it remains today. He was America's "first citizen," the "father of our country," the only President elected unanimously to office.

Yet he is a man little known today as a human being. He possessed a kind of natural reserve and dignity while "on the job" that was almost impenetrable, and held positions of public service most of his life. There was a more relaxed, private side to Washington that family members and close personal friends often saw. He had an ironic sense of humor. Although his own lifestyle was refined and aristocratic, he liked people and had exceptional rapport with the common man. But existing documentation provides only hints and glimpses of it. Any sort of understanding of the man was made difficult during his lifetime by the idealization that society demanded of its first leader. Americans of the time needed a hero to rationalize the acts of inhumanity and deep personal sacrifice they had to make to bring the United States into existence.

November 21, 1777
Letter from Gen. Samuel Parsons to Gov. Tryon.

Letter from Gen. Samuel Parsons, dated Mamaroneck, Nov. 21, 1777, to Gov. Tryon

"Sir, Adding to the natural horrors of war the most wanton destruction of property, is an act of cruelty unknown to civilized nations, and unaccustomed in war, until the servants of the king of Great Britain have convinced the impartial world, no act of inhumanity, no stretch of despotism, are too great to exercise towards those they term rebels.

"Had any apparent advantage been derived from burning the house on Philips' manor, last Monday, there would have been some reason to justify the measure; but when no benefit whatever can be proposed, by burning those buildings and stripping the women and children of necessary apparel, to cover them from the severity of a cold night, and captivating and leading in triumph to your lines, in the most ignominious manner, the heads of those families, I know not what justifiable cause to assign for those acts of cruelty; nor can I conceive a necessity for your further order to destroy Tarrytown.

"You cannot be insensible it is every day in my power to destroy the houses and buildings of Col. Philips, and those belonging to the family of Delancy, each as near your lines as those buildings were to my guards; and notwithstanding your utmost diligence, you cannot prevent the destruction of every house this side of King's bridge. It is not fear, it is not want of opportunity that has preserved those buildings; but a sense of the injustice and savageness of such a line of conduct has saved them: and nothing but necessity will induce me to copy examples of this sort so often set by your troops.

"It is not my inclination, sir, to war in this manner, against the inhabitants within your lines, who suppose themselves within your king's protection. But necessity will oblige me to retaliate in kind upon your friends, to procure the exercise of that justice which humanity used to dictate: unless your explicit disavowal of your two captains, Emmerick and Barns, shall convince me these houses were burned without your knowledge and against your order.

"I am, sir, your humble servant, Samuel H. Parsons"

November 23, 1777
Letter from Governor Tryon in response to Gen. Samuel Parsons letter.

Governor Tryon's answer, dated King's bridge camp, Nov. 23d, 1777

" Sir, Could I possibly conceive myself accountable to any revolted subject of the king of Great Britain, I might answer your letter received by the flag of truce yesterday, respecting the conduct of the party under Capt. Emmerick's command upon the taking of Peter and Cornelius Van Tassell; I have, however, candor enough to assure you, as much as I abhor every principle of inhumanity, or ungenerous conduct, I should, were I in more authority, burn every committee man's house within my reach, as I deem those agents the wicked instruments of the continued calamities of this country: and in order sooner to purge this country of them, I am willing to give twenty-five dollars for every acting committee man, who shall be delivered up to the king's troops: I guess before the end of next campaign, they will be torn in pieces by their own countrymen, whom they have forcibly dragged in opposition to their principles and duty (after fining them to the extent of their property) to take up arms against their lawful sovereign, and compelling them to exchange their happy constitution, for paper, rags, anarchy, and distress.

"The ruins from the conflagration of New York, by the emissaries of your party last year, remain a memorial of their tender regard for their fellow beings exposed to the 'severity of a cold night.'

"This is the first correspondence I have held with the king's enemies, on my put in America, and as I am immediately under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, your future letters, dictated with decency, would be more properly directed to his excellency.

"I am, sir, your most obedient servant, William Tryon, Major Gen."

Sunday the 23d, 1777
. . . and by some means or other Gen. Delancy's house at Bloomingdale, on York Island, took fire on the 25th at night.

From the Connecticut Journal, Dec. 10, 1777

"James Delancy, late sheriff of Westchester, and colonel of the enemy's militia, was taken last week by one of our scouts; the colonel was found under a bed, and for a better defense, had surrounded himself with a bulwark of baskets. He was dragged from his humble redoubt, put under a proper guard, and sent to a place better secured."

Find out more about the Historic 1777 & 1779 American Revolution Trail in the American War for Independence.

One evening in September of 1780, Major André and Gen. Arnold planned a clandestine meeting. The meeting lasted until dawn of the next morning. By then, it was determined to be too risky to take André back to his ship, the Vulture, which was setting sail for British headquarters in New York City.

The next day the Americans fired upon the Vulture from Croton Point, forcing it to leave without André. Benedict Arnold gave André a horse and recommended that André travel to Tarrytown, a neutral territory. André was riding south on the eastside of the Hudson River when he encountered John Paulding with David Williams and Isaac Van Wart. Paulding, who had recently escaped from a British prison in New York City, was wearing a Hessian coat.

It was September 23, 1780, when André approached the group thinking they were allies. The three militiamen questioned André and became suspicious. Upon further investigation they found plans to West Point hidden in André's boot. Major André was carrying papers describing the fortification of West Point, given to him by Benedict Arnold.

André attempted to bribe the militiamen with large sums of money and goods. Although the three militiamen were farmers of modest means, they refused the large monetary bribes offered by Major John André, and brought him to Army headquarters. André was tried and convicted as a spy and hanged in Tappan, New York on October 2, 1780. Benedict Arnold escaped to England.

The actions of these three patriots thwarted a plot between Major John André and General Benedict Arnold in which Arnold had planned to surrender West Point to the British.

When George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, was told of these events, he personally recommended that the militiamen are rewarded. On October 7, 1780, General George Washington, wrote to the President of Congress “to communicate the names of the three persons who captured Major André, and who refused to release him, notwithstanding the most earnest importunities and assurances of a liberal reward on his part.” Washington said that the service of John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, “merits our warmest esteem; and I beg leave to add, that I think the public will do well to make them a handsome gratuity. They have prevented in all probability our suffering one of the severest strokes that could have been meditated against us."

The United States Congress passed a resolution on November 3, 1780, commending the three captors. In gratitude for having captured André, “whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from impending danger,” they were awarded a silver medal and an annual £200 pension ("two hundred dollars in specie or an equivalent in the current money of these States") for the rest of their lives. In addition, the New York legislature voted to give each of them farmland valued at £500.

Their Patriotism is remembered
Throughout their lifetimes, John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart, and David Williams, were highly commemorated. In addition to being awarded federal pensions and valuable farms; streets in Westchester County were named for each of the men, statues have been erected, and the state of Ohio has named 3 counties after each of the honored militiamen that captured Major André. In 1853, near Patriot's Park, a monument was erected to honor the three heroic militiamen. At a later dedication, the monument was increased and a bronze stature of John Paulding was added. There is a dedication in stone on the south side of the monument which reads:

"On this spot the 23rd day of September, 1780, the spy, Major John André, Adjutant General of the British Army, was captured by John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, all natives of this county. History has told the rest.

The people of Westchester County have erected this Monument, as well to commemorate a great Event, as to testify their high estimation of that Integrity and Patriotism which, rejecting every temptation, rescued the United States from most imminent peril by baffling the arts of a Spy and the plots of a Traitor. Dedicated October 7, 1853."

On the north side of the block an inscription reads, "Their conduct merits our warmest esteem. They have prevented, in all probability, our suffering one of the severest strokes that could have been meditated against us" written by George Washington.

Inclosed in a cover addressed to M[r.] Anderson / Two days since I received a letter without date or Signature, / informing me that S[ir]. Henry ------ was obliged to me for intelligence / communicated, and that he placed a full confidence in the Sincerity / of my intentions, etc. etc. On the 13th Instant I addressed a letter / to you expressing my Sentiments and expectations, viz, that / the following Preliminaries be settled previous to cooperating. - / First, that S[ir]. Henry secure to me my property, valued at ten thou- / sand pounds Sterling, to be paid to me or my Heirs in case of / Loss; and, as soon as that happens [strike out] shall happen, ---- hundred / pounds per annum to be secured to me for life, in lieu of the / pay and emoluments I give up, for my Services as they shall / deserve - If I point out a plan of cooperation by which S[ir}. H[enry]. / shall possess himself of West Point, the Garrison, etc. etc. etc. twenty / thousand pounds Sterling I think will be a cheap purchase for / an object of so much importance. At the same time I request / thousand pounds to be paid my Agent - I expect a full / and explicit answer - The 20th I set off for West Point. A / personal interview with an officer that you can confide in / is absolutely necessary to plan matters. In the mean time / I shall communicate to our mutual Friend S[tansbur]y all the / intelligence in my power, until I have the pleasure of your answer. / Moore / July 15th [1780] / To the line of my letter of the 13th / I did not add seven.

Press blue button for Coded Letter.
Source: Collections of the Clements Library, and the Goldstar Collection

Press blue button to see decoded Spy letter.
Source: Collections of the Clements Library, and the Clinton Collection

In 1778, at Washington's orders Benjamin Tallmadge organized a spy network in New York City, the heart of the British forces. Tallmadge was to take all precautions that this ring would be extremely secret; in fact, it was so secret that Washington did not know who the men in the spy ring were. Robert Townsend, Aaron Woodhull, Austin Roe, Anna Strong, and Caleb Brewster made up this ring, and the code name for it was Samuel Culper.

The Shot Heard Round The World
"On April 19, 1775, was fired "the shot heard round the world." It was the shot fired for freedom and democracy by the Americans at Lexington and Concord. In 1836, upon the completion of the battle monument at Concord;, the gallant deeds of those early patriots were commemorated by Emerson in verse.

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

"This is not the only shot for freedom fired by America and Americans. As President Wilson has said, "The might of America is the might of a sincere love for the freedom of mankind." The shots of the Civil War were fired for united democracy and universal freedom.

" . . . On April 6, 1917, the shot was heard again. The whole world had been listening anxiously for it, and was not disappointed.

"Those against whom the first American shot for freedom was fired in 1775 have now become the strongest defenders of liberty and democracy. Their country is one of the three greatest democracies of the world. Shoulder to shoulder, the Americans and British fight for the freedom of mankind everywhere. They fight to defend the truth and to make this truth serve downtrodden peoples as well as the mighty."

Lest we forget: world war stories was used as a source for The Shot Heard Round The World. This book "was written as a reading book or as an historical reader for the upper grammar grades. While great care has been employed to secure accuracy of fact and to select material of permanent value, the stories are written in a manner that will appeal to children."

Source: Lest we forget: world war stories by John Gilbert Thompson, Inez Bigwood (1918 Silver, Burdett, Original from Harvard University)

The American Revolution, "American War of Independence"
The American Revolution, 1775-1783 was a conflict between 13 British colonies on the eastern shores of North America and their mother country, Great Britain. The colonies won the war against the British and became a separate nation called "The United States of America". Many historians also refer to the American Revolution as "The American War of Independence".

The American Revolution, ended two centuries of British rule over most of the North American Colonies, resulting in the formation of the United States of America. One of the causes of the American Revolution can be traced to the end of the French and Indian War, when Britain had succeeded in gaining territory from France at the expense of increasing its already enormous national debt. In an attempt to relieve Britain of its financial burden, British Parliament decided that the American Colonists would have to help pay for their own defense, despite the fact that a French invasion was no longer a real threat.

Toward this end, Parliament passed the first of several tax laws, the Stamp Act, which taxed all paper products in the colonies. The Americans declared it was unfair to tax them when they had no representation in Parliament, and protests eventually escalated to open hostilities in 1775, when the British Regulars fired on the Minutemen in Lexington, Massachusetts.

This conflict contributed to the formation of the Continental Congress (which directed the American war effort) and to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The first years of the war saw major defeats for American forces, who were outnumbered 3-1 by the British army, but the tide soon turned as nations such as France, Spain and the Netherlands offered troops and assistance, elevating the conflict to the status of an international war.

After eight long years of fighting, George Washington's army and a force under the French Count de Rochambeau trapped Lord Cornwallis, the leader of the British army, in Yorktown. This siege ended with Cornwallis surrendering his army of more than 7,000 men on October 19, 1781. However, it wasn't until the Treaty of Paris in 1783, a full eight years after the initial outbreak of violence, that Great Britain signed the formal peace treaty recognizing the former colonies as an independent nation.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. Included is the Tudor-revival style Briarcliff Manor Station, which is now used as a public library. Other former stations can be found along the trailway in Millwood and in Railroad Park in Yorktown Heights. Historic marker plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. The former Elmsford station is the only remaining station structure along the South County Trailway. It now houses a restaurant. Historic markers plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration to support the Warwick Valley Community Center. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, over 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience the extraordinary variety of Warwick’s apples, culture, and entertainment. The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit these and other local non-profit organizations.

Things To Do and See at the Festival

Applefest Visitor's Guide
An updated Applefest Visitors’ Guide will be posted on the website before Applefest next fall, and will also be available for free at the festival.

This 32-page booklet contains schedules of Applefest events, transportation information, directories for craft/food vendors, wineries, u-pick apples, a user-friendly map of the festival area, ads for local businesses and more.

Press Blue Button for more information about Applefest.

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Childrens Birthday Party
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Nature Hikes | Outings for Kids

Bring your family and experience the wonder of the Hudson River Valley with special programs and events geared especially for children.

Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, New York, may be the most popular site in the Hudson Valley for children. This working 17th century farm and trading center features demonstrations of early farm techniques with oxen, cows, and sheep. A working water-powered grist-mill is fascinating for children of all ages. Demonstrations of spinning and open-hearth cooking in the tenant farmer's house are scheduled frequently.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. Included is the Tudor-revival style Briarcliff Manor Station, which is now used as a public library. Other former stations can be found along the trailway in Millwood and in Railroad Park in Yorktown Heights. Historic marker plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

Press blue button for the current season's Concert Schedule, tickets, contact information, and more about the Performers of Westchester.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. The former Elmsford station is the only remaining station structure along the South County Trailway. It now houses a restaurant. Historic markers plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration to support the Warwick Valley Community Center. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, over 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience the extraordinary variety of Warwick’s apples, culture, and entertainment. The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit these and other local non-profit organizations.

Things To Do and See at the Festival

Applefest Visitor's Guide
An updated Applefest Visitors’ Guide will be posted on the website before Applefest next fall, and will also be available for free at the festival.

This 32-page booklet contains schedules of Applefest events, transportation information, directories for craft/food vendors, wineries, u-pick apples, a user-friendly map of the festival area, ads for local businesses and more.

Press Blue Button for more information about Applefest.

Also in Category
Activities | Things To Do
Attractions | Places To Go
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• Common Ground Coffeehouse at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester at 25 Old Jackson Ave, outside of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY



• Common Ground @ South Church, held at South Presbyterian Church, 343 Broadway, in Dobbs Ferry, NY,



• Common Ground Folk Series, held at Lewisboro Library, in South Salem, NY

Press blue button for locations and more about Common Ground Community Concerts in Westchester County.

Bring your family and experience the wonder of the Hudson River Valley with special programs and events geared especially for children.

Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, New York, may be the most popular site in the Hudson Valley for children. This working 17th century farm and trading center features demonstrations of early farm techniques with oxen, cows, and sheep. A working water-powered grist-mill is fascinating for children of all ages. Demonstrations of spinning and open-hearth cooking in the tenant farmer's house are scheduled frequently.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. Included is the Tudor-revival style Briarcliff Manor Station, which is now used as a public library. Other former stations can be found along the trailway in Millwood and in Railroad Park in Yorktown Heights. Historic marker plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

Press blue button for the current season's Concert Schedule, tickets, contact information, and more about the Performers of Westchester.

Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration to support the Warwick Valley Community Center. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, over 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience the extraordinary variety of Warwick’s apples, culture, and entertainment. The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit these and other local non-profit organizations.

Things To Do and See at the Festival

Applefest Visitor's Guide
An updated Applefest Visitors’ Guide will be posted on the website before Applefest next fall, and will also be available for free at the festival.

This 32-page booklet contains schedules of Applefest events, transportation information, directories for craft/food vendors, wineries, u-pick apples, a user-friendly map of the festival area, ads for local businesses and more.

Press Blue Button for more information about Applefest.

Also in Category
Activities | Things To Do
Attractions | Places To Go
Children | Kids - Activities | Things To Do
Children | Kids - Attractions | Places To Go
Fairs & Festivals
Festivals for Kids
Nature Hikes | Outings for Kids

• Common Ground Coffeehouse at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester at 25 Old Jackson Ave, outside of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY



• Common Ground @ South Church, held at South Presbyterian Church, 343 Broadway, in Dobbs Ferry, NY,



• Common Ground Folk Series, held at Lewisboro Library, in South Salem, NY

Press blue button for locations and more about Common Ground Community Concerts in Westchester County.

Press blue button for the current season's Concert Schedule, tickets, contact information, and more about the Performers of Westchester.

• Common Ground Coffeehouse at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester at 25 Old Jackson Ave, outside of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY



• Common Ground @ South Church, held at South Presbyterian Church, 343 Broadway, in Dobbs Ferry, NY,



• Common Ground Folk Series, held at Lewisboro Library, in South Salem, NY

Press blue button for locations and more about Common Ground Community Concerts in Westchester County.

Press blue button for the current season's Concert Schedule, tickets, contact information, and more about the Performers of Westchester.

Westchester’s Smart Commute program, comprised of a team of transportation advisors, is available free of charge, as part of Westchester County and New York State's commitment to reducing congestion on our roadways, and improving air quality.

The Westchester’s SMART COMMUTE Program is available free of charge to all employers and building owners/managers in the County as part of Westchester County and the New York State's commitment to reducing congestion on our roadways and improving the quality of the air we breathe. The program is designed to encourage and support companies whose employees are looking for alternatives to getting to work rather than driving alone.

Press blue button and learn how to implement SMART COMMUTE programs.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. Included is the Tudor-revival style Briarcliff Manor Station, which is now used as a public library. Other former stations can be found along the trailway in Millwood and in Railroad Park in Yorktown Heights. Historic marker plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. The former Elmsford station is the only remaining station structure along the South County Trailway. It now houses a restaurant. Historic markers plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

Press blue button for the current season's Concert Schedule, tickets, contact information, and more about the Performers of Westchester.

OEM collaborates with the National Weather Service, SKYWARN volunteers, Consolidated Edison, New York State Electric & Gas, SEMO and the news media in tracking the approach of potentially dangerous storms, and in giving timely warning to local governments and to the people of Westchester.

OEM coordinates response and recovery activities that exceed the capabilities of local government(s), as well as assistance activities which might come as the result of a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Radiological Emergency Preparedness
The presence of nuclear power generating plants at Indian Point, of radio-active materials in industry and in medicine, and in transit through and over Westchester County, as well as the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons or radioactive materials in war or in terrorist incidents, demands radiological emergency preparedness.

The lead agency for the planning and coordination of radiological emergency preparedness and response is the Office of Emergency Management. The Indian Point Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Plan and Procedures for Westchester County, while maintained and coordinated by OEM, involves the participation of nearly every department of county government, as well as of thousands of potential emergency responders. Most of the resources and expertise developed to deal with an emergency at Indian Point could be readily applied to response to most other major emergencies.

The Indian Point REP Plan is exercised annually and evaluated alternately by FEMA or by SEMO. Radiological Emergency Preparedness training is offered, through OEM, to all potential emergency responders.

Emergency Communications
Communications are essential to proper command and control in an emergency. The Office of Emergency Management can provide emergency communications support through the Westchester County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), through dispatch of the county field communications unit to support emergency responders, and/or through the activation of civil defense volunteer radio operators. OEM maintains liaison with the Westchester Emergency Communications Association (WECA) and with others who support emergency preparedness.

Possible improvised explosive devices
Bomb threats
Military ordinance
Volatile chemicals
Deteriorated explosives
Dangerous fireworks

The Bomb Squad utilizes specialized equipment to approach, inspect, disarm and/or remove all types of explosive devices. Bomb Squad members are adept at examining explosive devices in order to identify persons responsible for the devices’ manufacture. Follow-up investigations are an integral part of the Bomb Squad function.

Press blue button for more information about the Westchester County Police Bomb Squad.

Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration to support the Warwick Valley Community Center. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, over 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience the extraordinary variety of Warwick’s apples, culture, and entertainment. The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit these and other local non-profit organizations.

Things To Do and See at the Festival

Applefest Visitor's Guide
An updated Applefest Visitors’ Guide will be posted on the website before Applefest next fall, and will also be available for free at the festival.

This 32-page booklet contains schedules of Applefest events, transportation information, directories for craft/food vendors, wineries, u-pick apples, a user-friendly map of the festival area, ads for local businesses and more.

Press Blue Button for more information about Applefest.

Also in Category
Activities | Things To Do
Attractions | Places To Go
Children | Kids - Activities | Things To Do
Children | Kids - Attractions | Places To Go
Childrens Birthday Party
Festivals for Kids
Nature Hikes | Outings for Kids

Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration to support the Warwick Valley Community Center. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, over 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience the extraordinary variety of Warwick’s apples, culture, and entertainment. The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit these and other local non-profit organizations.

Things To Do and See at the Festival

Applefest Visitor's Guide
An updated Applefest Visitors’ Guide will be posted on the website before Applefest next fall, and will also be available for free at the festival.

This 32-page booklet contains schedules of Applefest events, transportation information, directories for craft/food vendors, wineries, u-pick apples, a user-friendly map of the festival area, ads for local businesses and more.

Press Blue Button for more information about Applefest.

Also in Category
Activities | Things To Do
Attractions | Places To Go
Children | Kids - Activities | Things To Do
Children | Kids - Attractions | Places To Go
Childrens Birthday Party
Fairs & Festivals
Nature Hikes | Outings for Kids

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. Included is the Tudor-revival style Briarcliff Manor Station, which is now used as a public library. Other former stations can be found along the trailway in Millwood and in Railroad Park in Yorktown Heights. Historic marker plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. The former Elmsford station is the only remaining station structure along the South County Trailway. It now houses a restaurant. Historic markers plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

Bring your family and experience the wonder of the Hudson River Valley with special programs and events geared especially for children.

Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, New York, may be the most popular site in the Hudson Valley for children. This working 17th century farm and trading center features demonstrations of early farm techniques with oxen, cows, and sheep. A working water-powered grist-mill is fascinating for children of all ages. Demonstrations of spinning and open-hearth cooking in the tenant farmer's house are scheduled frequently.

Bring your family and experience the wonder of the Hudson River Valley with special programs and events geared especially for children.

Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, New York, may be the most popular site in the Hudson Valley for children. This working 17th century farm and trading center features demonstrations of early farm techniques with oxen, cows, and sheep. A working water-powered grist-mill is fascinating for children of all ages. Demonstrations of spinning and open-hearth cooking in the tenant farmer's house are scheduled frequently.

Benedict Arnold, a Traitor in the American Revolution:

Although Benedict Arnold fought many battles in the American Revolution victoriously; he will mostly be remembered for his treachery as a traitor. It appears from historical documents that Arnold believed he was not sufficiently rewarded by his country nor respected by his fellow officers. He also wanted to maintain the high standard of living he afforded himself and his wife Peggy.

While the British had occupied Philadelphia, his beautiful and flirtatious wife Peggy enjoyed the attention of the British. Among her many admirers had been British major John André. It is believed that Peggy connected her husband Benedict Arnold with Major André. "Benedict Arnold wrote pages of U.S. military secrets and convinced John André to carry them back to British headquarters concealed in his boots." In response, André assured Arnold that if he helped the British, he would be richly rewarded.

André established a code by which he and Arnold could communicate, and they did so in the months to follow. However, André let Arnold know that he wanted something that would help the British to capture West Point, a military complex on the western shores of the Hudson River, and where approaching vessels could be sighted and where the Americans could command the Hudson River waterway.

Arnold sent André the reply he wanted. Arnold stated, in his own handwriting, that he would surrender West Point for a guaranteed payment of 10,000 pounds.

Decoded message from Benedict Arnold to André:
"the following Preliminaries be settled previous to cooperating. - / First, that S[ir]. Henry secure to me my property, valued at ten thou- / sand pounds Sterling, to be paid to me or my Heirs in case of / Loss; and, as soon as that happens [strike out] shall happen, ---- hundred / pounds per annum to be secured to me for life, in lieu of the / pay and emoluments I give up, for my Services as they shall / deserve - If I point out a plan of cooperation by which S[ir}. H[enry]. / shall possess himself of West Point, the Garrison, etc. etc. etc. twenty / thousand pounds Sterling I think will be a cheap purchase for / an object of so much importance. At the same time I request / thousand pounds to be paid my Agent - I expect a full / and explicit answer - The 20th I set off for West Point . . ."

With this arrangement in mind, Arnold tried to get command of the West Point complex. He often visited West Point, while continuing to send André confidential information. During discussions with General George Washington, Arnold convinced Washington to give him, Benedict Arnold, command of West Point.

On September 22, 1780 André and Arnold met in a private and secluded area. During this meeting that lasted for hours into the night, André's getaway ship, the Vulture, moved position due to the Americans firing on the ship. Arnold provided André and his escorts with passes, an expensive horse, and six pages of information about West Point. André placed secret papers in his boots.

On the morning of September 25, 1780, while having breakfast in his home, a messenger delivered a letter to Arnold. The letter stated that Major André had been captured. After a court hearing, André was condemned to death by hanging. On Monday, October 5, 1780, at noon, André was hung. He was 30 years of age.

As news about General Benedict Arnold spread throughout the country, patriots felt a renewed strength and purpose. Their country was attacked from within. Benedict Arnold, a distinguished Revolutionary War general, became a traitor. In answer to Arnold’s treacherous acts, Americans united in patriotic fervor and spirits soared in a "unity of purpose".

In 1780, Arnold led a British raid on New London, Connecticut. Arnold and his family fled to England in December, 1781. In England, Arnold tried repeatedly to secure a high military position with the British army. After many failed attempts, he turned to trade. Benedict Arnold died on June 14, 1801. Benedict Arnold is buried in England.

Press blue button for more information about Benedict Arnold and Major André.

Sources:
Dell, Pamela. 2005. Benedict Arnold, From Patriot to Traitor:l (Series - Signature Lives) 2005/01/01, Publisher - Compass Point Books
Collections of the Clements Library, and the Goldstar Collection
Spy Letters of the American Revolution

Press blue button for an exhibit on spy letters from the William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Gallery of Letters provides a brief description of each letter and links to more information about the stories of the spies in the letter and the secret methods used to make the letter.

Read the letter that John André sent to Benedict Arnold through his agent Joseph Stansbury. The letter instructed Benedict Arnold in the types of information to gather for the British and the ways to relay this information secretly. Read more about Benedict Arnold in the American Revolutionary War.

Press blue button for a record of the exhibit, as it appeared in the display cases of the William L. Clements Library. Each page features an image of a single display case and its contents, with details of the artifacts and the accompanying text.

This exhibit guides you through a comprehensive study of George Washington

Few men have had as profound an influence on the course of recorded human history as George Washington. He precipitated a military skirmish that literally started a world war. It resulted in Britain's conquest of Canada and much of our own Midwest, including Michigan. He served as Commander in Chief throughout the American Revolutionary War, the very embodiment of the conflict. As our first President, he endowed our political system with many of the precedents that make the United States the unique nation that it remains today. He was America's "first citizen," the "father of our country," the only President elected unanimously to office.

Yet he is a man little known today as a human being. He possessed a kind of natural reserve and dignity while "on the job" that was almost impenetrable, and held positions of public service most of his life. There was a more relaxed, private side to Washington that family members and close personal friends often saw. He had an ironic sense of humor. Although his own lifestyle was refined and aristocratic, he liked people and had exceptional rapport with the common man. But existing documentation provides only hints and glimpses of it. Any sort of understanding of the man was made difficult during his lifetime by the idealization that society demanded of its first leader. Americans of the time needed a hero to rationalize the acts of inhumanity and deep personal sacrifice they had to make to bring the United States into existence.

November 21, 1777
Letter from Gen. Samuel Parsons to Gov. Tryon.

Letter from Gen. Samuel Parsons, dated Mamaroneck, Nov. 21, 1777, to Gov. Tryon

"Sir, Adding to the natural horrors of war the most wanton destruction of property, is an act of cruelty unknown to civilized nations, and unaccustomed in war, until the servants of the king of Great Britain have convinced the impartial world, no act of inhumanity, no stretch of despotism, are too great to exercise towards those they term rebels.

"Had any apparent advantage been derived from burning the house on Philips' manor, last Monday, there would have been some reason to justify the measure; but when no benefit whatever can be proposed, by burning those buildings and stripping the women and children of necessary apparel, to cover them from the severity of a cold night, and captivating and leading in triumph to your lines, in the most ignominious manner, the heads of those families, I know not what justifiable cause to assign for those acts of cruelty; nor can I conceive a necessity for your further order to destroy Tarrytown.

"You cannot be insensible it is every day in my power to destroy the houses and buildings of Col. Philips, and those belonging to the family of Delancy, each as near your lines as those buildings were to my guards; and notwithstanding your utmost diligence, you cannot prevent the destruction of every house this side of King's bridge. It is not fear, it is not want of opportunity that has preserved those buildings; but a sense of the injustice and savageness of such a line of conduct has saved them: and nothing but necessity will induce me to copy examples of this sort so often set by your troops.

"It is not my inclination, sir, to war in this manner, against the inhabitants within your lines, who suppose themselves within your king's protection. But necessity will oblige me to retaliate in kind upon your friends, to procure the exercise of that justice which humanity used to dictate: unless your explicit disavowal of your two captains, Emmerick and Barns, shall convince me these houses were burned without your knowledge and against your order.

"I am, sir, your humble servant, Samuel H. Parsons"

November 23, 1777
Letter from Governor Tryon in response to Gen. Samuel Parsons letter.

Governor Tryon's answer, dated King's bridge camp, Nov. 23d, 1777

" Sir, Could I possibly conceive myself accountable to any revolted subject of the king of Great Britain, I might answer your letter received by the flag of truce yesterday, respecting the conduct of the party under Capt. Emmerick's command upon the taking of Peter and Cornelius Van Tassell; I have, however, candor enough to assure you, as much as I abhor every principle of inhumanity, or ungenerous conduct, I should, were I in more authority, burn every committee man's house within my reach, as I deem those agents the wicked instruments of the continued calamities of this country: and in order sooner to purge this country of them, I am willing to give twenty-five dollars for every acting committee man, who shall be delivered up to the king's troops: I guess before the end of next campaign, they will be torn in pieces by their own countrymen, whom they have forcibly dragged in opposition to their principles and duty (after fining them to the extent of their property) to take up arms against their lawful sovereign, and compelling them to exchange their happy constitution, for paper, rags, anarchy, and distress.

"The ruins from the conflagration of New York, by the emissaries of your party last year, remain a memorial of their tender regard for their fellow beings exposed to the 'severity of a cold night.'

"This is the first correspondence I have held with the king's enemies, on my put in America, and as I am immediately under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, your future letters, dictated with decency, would be more properly directed to his excellency.

"I am, sir, your most obedient servant, William Tryon, Major Gen."

Sunday the 23d, 1777
. . . and by some means or other Gen. Delancy's house at Bloomingdale, on York Island, took fire on the 25th at night.

From the Connecticut Journal, Dec. 10, 1777

"James Delancy, late sheriff of Westchester, and colonel of the enemy's militia, was taken last week by one of our scouts; the colonel was found under a bed, and for a better defense, had surrounded himself with a bulwark of baskets. He was dragged from his humble redoubt, put under a proper guard, and sent to a place better secured."

Find out more about the Historic 1777 & 1779 American Revolution Trail in the American War for Independence.

One evening in September of 1780, Major André and Gen. Arnold planned a clandestine meeting. The meeting lasted until dawn of the next morning. By then, it was determined to be too risky to take André back to his ship, the Vulture, which was setting sail for British headquarters in New York City.

The next day the Americans fired upon the Vulture from Croton Point, forcing it to leave without André. Benedict Arnold gave André a horse and recommended that André travel to Tarrytown, a neutral territory. André was riding south on the eastside of the Hudson River when he encountered John Paulding with David Williams and Isaac Van Wart. Paulding, who had recently escaped from a British prison in New York City, was wearing a Hessian coat.

It was September 23, 1780, when André approached the group thinking they were allies. The three militiamen questioned André and became suspicious. Upon further investigation they found plans to West Point hidden in André's boot. Major André was carrying papers describing the fortification of West Point, given to him by Benedict Arnold.

André attempted to bribe the militiamen with large sums of money and goods. Although the three militiamen were farmers of modest means, they refused the large monetary bribes offered by Major John André, and brought him to Army headquarters. André was tried and convicted as a spy and hanged in Tappan, New York on October 2, 1780. Benedict Arnold escaped to England.

The actions of these three patriots thwarted a plot between Major John André and General Benedict Arnold in which Arnold had planned to surrender West Point to the British.

When George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, was told of these events, he personally recommended that the militiamen are rewarded. On October 7, 1780, General George Washington, wrote to the President of Congress “to communicate the names of the three persons who captured Major André, and who refused to release him, notwithstanding the most earnest importunities and assurances of a liberal reward on his part.” Washington said that the service of John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, “merits our warmest esteem; and I beg leave to add, that I think the public will do well to make them a handsome gratuity. They have prevented in all probability our suffering one of the severest strokes that could have been meditated against us."

The United States Congress passed a resolution on November 3, 1780, commending the three captors. In gratitude for having captured André, “whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insidious designs of the enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from impending danger,” they were awarded a silver medal and an annual £200 pension ("two hundred dollars in specie or an equivalent in the current money of these States") for the rest of their lives. In addition, the New York legislature voted to give each of them farmland valued at £500.

Their Patriotism is remembered
Throughout their lifetimes, John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart, and David Williams, were highly commemorated. In addition to being awarded federal pensions and valuable farms; streets in Westchester County were named for each of the men, statues have been erected, and the state of Ohio has named 3 counties after each of the honored militiamen that captured Major André. In 1853, near Patriot's Park, a monument was erected to honor the three heroic militiamen. At a later dedication, the monument was increased and a bronze stature of John Paulding was added. There is a dedication in stone on the south side of the monument which reads:

"On this spot the 23rd day of September, 1780, the spy, Major John André, Adjutant General of the British Army, was captured by John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, all natives of this county. History has told the rest.

The people of Westchester County have erected this Monument, as well to commemorate a great Event, as to testify their high estimation of that Integrity and Patriotism which, rejecting every temptation, rescued the United States from most imminent peril by baffling the arts of a Spy and the plots of a Traitor. Dedicated October 7, 1853."

On the north side of the block an inscription reads, "Their conduct merits our warmest esteem. They have prevented, in all probability, our suffering one of the severest strokes that could have been meditated against us" written by George Washington.

Inclosed in a cover addressed to M[r.] Anderson / Two days since I received a letter without date or Signature, / informing me that S[ir]. Henry ------ was obliged to me for intelligence / communicated, and that he placed a full confidence in the Sincerity / of my intentions, etc. etc. On the 13th Instant I addressed a letter / to you expressing my Sentiments and expectations, viz, that / the following Preliminaries be settled previous to cooperating. - / First, that S[ir]. Henry secure to me my property, valued at ten thou- / sand pounds Sterling, to be paid to me or my Heirs in case of / Loss; and, as soon as that happens [strike out] shall happen, ---- hundred / pounds per annum to be secured to me for life, in lieu of the / pay and emoluments I give up, for my Services as they shall / deserve - If I point out a plan of cooperation by which S[ir}. H[enry]. / shall possess himself of West Point, the Garrison, etc. etc. etc. twenty / thousand pounds Sterling I think will be a cheap purchase for / an object of so much importance. At the same time I request / thousand pounds to be paid my Agent - I expect a full / and explicit answer - The 20th I set off for West Point. A / personal interview with an officer that you can confide in / is absolutely necessary to plan matters. In the mean time / I shall communicate to our mutual Friend S[tansbur]y all the / intelligence in my power, until I have the pleasure of your answer. / Moore / July 15th [1780] / To the line of my letter of the 13th / I did not add seven.

Press blue button for Coded Letter.
Source: Collections of the Clements Library, and the Goldstar Collection

Press blue button to see decoded Spy letter.
Source: Collections of the Clements Library, and the Clinton Collection

In 1778, at Washington's orders Benjamin Tallmadge organized a spy network in New York City, the heart of the British forces. Tallmadge was to take all precautions that this ring would be extremely secret; in fact, it was so secret that Washington did not know who the men in the spy ring were. Robert Townsend, Aaron Woodhull, Austin Roe, Anna Strong, and Caleb Brewster made up this ring, and the code name for it was Samuel Culper.

The Shot Heard Round The World
"On April 19, 1775, was fired "the shot heard round the world." It was the shot fired for freedom and democracy by the Americans at Lexington and Concord. In 1836, upon the completion of the battle monument at Concord;, the gallant deeds of those early patriots were commemorated by Emerson in verse.

"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

"This is not the only shot for freedom fired by America and Americans. As President Wilson has said, "The might of America is the might of a sincere love for the freedom of mankind." The shots of the Civil War were fired for united democracy and universal freedom.

" . . . On April 6, 1917, the shot was heard again. The whole world had been listening anxiously for it, and was not disappointed.

"Those against whom the first American shot for freedom was fired in 1775 have now become the strongest defenders of liberty and democracy. Their country is one of the three greatest democracies of the world. Shoulder to shoulder, the Americans and British fight for the freedom of mankind everywhere. They fight to defend the truth and to make this truth serve downtrodden peoples as well as the mighty."

Lest we forget: world war stories was used as a source for The Shot Heard Round The World. This book "was written as a reading book or as an historical reader for the upper grammar grades. While great care has been employed to secure accuracy of fact and to select material of permanent value, the stories are written in a manner that will appeal to children."

Source: Lest we forget: world war stories by John Gilbert Thompson, Inez Bigwood (1918 Silver, Burdett, Original from Harvard University)

The American Revolution, "American War of Independence"
The American Revolution, 1775-1783 was a conflict between 13 British colonies on the eastern shores of North America and their mother country, Great Britain. The colonies won the war against the British and became a separate nation called "The United States of America". Many historians also refer to the American Revolution as "The American War of Independence".

The American Revolution, ended two centuries of British rule over most of the North American Colonies, resulting in the formation of the United States of America. One of the causes of the American Revolution can be traced to the end of the French and Indian War, when Britain had succeeded in gaining territory from France at the expense of increasing its already enormous national debt. In an attempt to relieve Britain of its financial burden, British Parliament decided that the American Colonists would have to help pay for their own defense, despite the fact that a French invasion was no longer a real threat.

Toward this end, Parliament passed the first of several tax laws, the Stamp Act, which taxed all paper products in the colonies. The Americans declared it was unfair to tax them when they had no representation in Parliament, and protests eventually escalated to open hostilities in 1775, when the British Regulars fired on the Minutemen in Lexington, Massachusetts.

This conflict contributed to the formation of the Continental Congress (which directed the American war effort) and to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The first years of the war saw major defeats for American forces, who were outnumbered 3-1 by the British army, but the tide soon turned as nations such as France, Spain and the Netherlands offered troops and assistance, elevating the conflict to the status of an international war.

After eight long years of fighting, George Washington's army and a force under the French Count de Rochambeau trapped Lord Cornwallis, the leader of the British army, in Yorktown. This siege ended with Cornwallis surrendering his army of more than 7,000 men on October 19, 1781. However, it wasn't until the Treaty of Paris in 1783, a full eight years after the initial outbreak of violence, that Great Britain signed the formal peace treaty recognizing the former colonies as an independent nation.

Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration to support the Warwick Valley Community Center. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, over 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience the extraordinary variety of Warwick’s apples, culture, and entertainment. The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit these and other local non-profit organizations.

Things To Do and See at the Festival

Applefest Visitor's Guide
An updated Applefest Visitors’ Guide will be posted on the website before Applefest next fall, and will also be available for free at the festival.

This 32-page booklet contains schedules of Applefest events, transportation information, directories for craft/food vendors, wineries, u-pick apples, a user-friendly map of the festival area, ads for local businesses and more.

Press Blue Button for more information about Applefest.

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Children | Kids - Attractions | Places To Go
Childrens Birthday Party
Fairs & Festivals
Festivals for Kids

The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. Included is the Tudor-revival style Briarcliff Manor Station, which is now used as a public library. Other former stations can be found along the trailway in Millwood and in Railroad Park in Yorktown Heights. Historic marker plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.

On a warm day, treat yourself to one of the waterfront dining spots along the Hudson River or Long Island Sound. Westchester's River Towns offer many beautiful views and several restaurants with waterfront dining and a selection of seafood dishes. Find Waterfront Dining restaurants. Order a seafood dinner, look out over the water, and relax in one of the charming River Towns along the Hudson.

If you love seafood, and the weather is warm, eat out on the terrace, patio, or deck, at one of Westchester County's great seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

100.7 HUD Storm Center

NBC New York - Weather Related Closings & Delays

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Weather Related Closings & Delays

The New York State Report Cards provide enrollment, demographic, attendance, suspension, dropout, teacher, assessment, accountability, graduation rate, post-graduate plan, career and technical education, and fiscal data for public and charter schools, districts, and the State. The report cards consist of three parts:

Accountability and Overview Report (AOR)
Comprehensive Information Report (CIR)
Fiscal Accountability Supplement

For each reporting year, a companion database containing data statewide and by county, Need/Resource Capacity Index, district, and school in many of the above areas is also provided for statistical analysis purposes.

Press blue button to select a New York State Report Card. You can select information by:

Viewing a map of New York State
Viewing a county within New York State
Viewing a school district within New York State

"We are always striving to be more flexible, offering services based on new technology, new standards, or new needs. That is reflected in many of our offerings. At The Tech Center, computers are thoroughly integrated into everyday teaching. Academic courses in English, math, economics, science, and health are offered at The Tech Center building to make it easier for students to manage their schedules and to help them earn their diplomas. The end result of a Tech Center education is a successful transition to the world of work or college.

"In Special Education, children are prepared for the world after they leave us — back to their home district or to work in the larger community. Through innovative programs, such as Community Outreach Program and MOVE, they are encouraged to move and communicate more effectively.

"Nationally known educational experts are brought to BOCES on a regular basis to help train teachers in the new standards, science techniques, or data management, to name just a few priorities. We offer districts a variety of programs, from an on-line application system to cooperative bidding and school communications. In each case, quality and economics play an important part.

"Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES reaches across the spectrum in terms of the children it serves, from those with special needs to those with special gifts. We are living in a world that says every child should succeed. For some, this is a difficult challenge, but we are determined to use the tools necessary to make that happen. For others, we can use more sophisticated tools to provide a higher-level learning experience. Without BOCES, many of these students would not be able to meet with the kind of success they are capable of achieving . . ." James T. Langlois, District Superintendent

Press blue button for more information about Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES.

Component School Districts include 32 school districts that participate in specific SW BOCES programs and services on a cost-sharing basis. They receive partial reimbursement for those costs through state aid. School districts that contract with SW BOCES for services know that we are committed to accomplishing specific outcomes and will assist in any way to help meet the educational challenges of the 21st Century. Visit Southern Westchester BOCES Component School Districts for a list of participating school districts.

Our seven Centers provide an array of more than 70 services to help school districts, teaching and administrative professionals, students, and the public with needs in the areas of special education, career and technical education, transportation, interscholastic athletics, adult and community services, technology, and professional development. In addition, our Human Resources department sponsors a Regional Career Fair and provides a Regional Certification Service. Services not offered by SWBOCES can be obtained through Cross-Contracts with other BOCES.

Press blue button for more information about Southern Westchester BOCES.

Greenburgh Abbott UFSD in Greenburgh (914) 591-7428
Greenburgh Eleven UFSD in Greenburgh (914) 693-8500
Greenburgh-Graham UFSD in Greenburgh (914) 478-1106
Greenburgh-North Castle UFSD in Greenburgh (914) 693-3030
Hawthorne Cedar Knolls UFSD in Hawthorne (914) 749-2905
Mount Pleasant Blythedale UFSD in Valhalla (914) 347-1800
Mount Pleasant Cottage UFSD in Pleasantville (914) 769-0456

Press blue button to access School District Demographic Map. Press each school district to see details of population, household, etc. View the communities covered by each district on the map.

Ardsley Union Free School District
Bedford Central School District
Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District
Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District
Bronxville Union Free School District
Byram Hills Central School District
Chappaqua Central School District
Croton-Harmon Union Free School District
Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District
Eastchester Union Free School District
Edgemont Union Free School District
Elmsford Union Free School District
Greenburgh Central School District
Haldane Central School District
Harrison Central School District
Hastings-on-Hudson Union Free School District
Irvington Union Free School District
Katonah-Lewisboro School District
Lakeland Central School District
Mamaroneck Union Free School District
Mount Pleasant Central School District
Mount Vernon School District
New Rochelle School District
North Salem Central School District
Ossining Union Free School District
Peekskill City School District
Pelham Union Free School District
Pleasantville Union Free School District
Pocantico Hills Central School District
Port Chester School District
Rye City School District
Rye Neck Union Free School District
Scarsdale Union Free School District
Somers Central School District
Special Act Districts
Tarrytown Union Free School District
Tuckahoe Union Free School District
Valhalla School District
White Plains Public School District
Yonkers Public Schools
Yorktown Central School District

Greenburgh Abbott UFSD
Greenburgh Eleven UFSD
Greenburgh-Graham UFSD
Greenburgh-North Castle UFSD
Hawthorne Cedar Knolls UFSD
Mount Pleasant Blythedale UFSD
Mount Pleasant Cottage UFSD

Putnam / Northern Westchester Boces

• Common Ground Coffeehouse at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester at 25 Old Jackson Ave, outside of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY



• Common Ground @ South Church, held at South Presbyterian Church, 343 Broadway, in Dobbs Ferry, NY,



• Common Ground Folk Series, held at Lewisboro Library, in South Salem, NY

Press blue button for locations and more about Common Ground Community Concerts in Westchester County.

Press blue button for the current season's Concert Schedule, tickets, contact information, and more about the Performers of Westchester.

Benedict Arnold, a Traitor in the American Revolution:

Although Benedict Arnold fought many battles in the American Revolution victoriously; he will mostly be remembered for his treachery as a traitor. It appears from historical documents that Arnold believed he was not sufficiently rewarded by his country nor respected by his fellow officers. He also wanted to maintain the high standard of living he afforded himself and his wife Peggy.

While the British had occupied Philadelphia, his beautiful and flirtatious wife Peggy enjoyed the attention of the British. Among her many admirers had been British major John André. It is believed that Peggy connected her husband Benedict Arnold with Major André. "Benedict Arnold wrote pages of U.S. military secrets and convinced John André to carry them back to British headquarters concealed in his boots." In response, André assured Arnold that if he helped the British, he would be richly rewarded.

André established a code by which he and Arnold could communicate, and they did so in the months to follow. However, André let Arnold know that he wanted something that would help the British to capture West Point, a military complex on the western shores of the Hudson River, and where approaching vessels could be sighted and where the Americans could command the Hudson River waterway.

Arnold sent André the reply he wanted. Arnold stated, in his own handwriting, that he would surrender West Point for a guaranteed payment of 10,000 pounds.

Decoded message from Benedict Arnold to André:
"the following Preliminaries be settled previous to cooperating. - / First, that S[ir]. Henry secure to me my property, valued at ten thou- / sand pounds Sterling, to be paid to me or my Heirs in case of / Loss; and, as soon as that happens [strike out] shall happen, ---- hundred / pounds per annum to be secured to me for life, in lieu of the / pay and emoluments I give up, for my Services as they shall / deserve - If I point out a plan of cooperation by which S[ir}. H[enry]. / shall possess himself of West Point, the Garrison, etc. etc. etc. twenty / thousand pounds Sterling I think will be a cheap purchase for / an object of so much importance. At the same time I request / thousand pounds to be paid my Agent - I expect a full / and explicit answer - The 20th I set off for West Point . . ."

With this arrangement in mind, Arnold tried to get command of the West Point complex. He often visited West Point, while continuing to send André confidential information. During discussions with General George Washington, Arnold convinced Washington to give him, Benedict Arnold, command of West Point.

On September 22, 1780 André and Arnold met in a private and secluded area. During this meeting that lasted for hours into the night, André's getaway ship, the Vulture, moved position due to the Americans firing on the ship. Arnold provided André and his escorts with passes, an expensive horse, and six pages of information about West Point. André placed secret papers in his boots.

On the morning of September 25, 1780, while having breakfast in his home, a messenger delivered a letter to Arnold. The letter stated that Major André had been captured. After a court hearing, André was condemned to death by hanging. On Monday, October 5, 1780, at noon, André was hung. He was 30 years of age.

As news about General Benedict Arnold spread throughout the country, patriots felt a renewed strength and purpose. Their country was attacked from within. Benedict Arnold, a distinguished Revolutionary War general, became a traitor. In answer to Arnold’s treacherous acts, Americans united in patriotic fervor and spirits soared in a "unity of purpose".

In 1780, Arnold led a British raid on New London, Connecticut. Arnold and his family fled to England in December, 1781. In England, Arnold tried repeatedly to secure a high military position with the British army. After many failed attempts, he turned to trade. Benedict Arnold died on June 14, 1801. Benedict Arnold is buried in England.

Press blue button for more information about Benedict Arnold and Major André.

Sources:
Dell, Pamela. 2005. Benedict Arnold, From Patriot to Traitor:l (Series - Signature Lives) 2005/01/01, Publisher - Compass Point Books
Collections of the Clements Library, and the Goldstar Collection
Spy Letters of the American Revolution

Bring your family and experience the wonder of the Hudson River Valley with special programs and events geared especially for children.

Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, New York, may be the most popular site in the Hudson Valley for children. This working 17th century farm and trading center features demonstrations of early farm techniques with oxen, cows, and sheep. A working water-powered grist-mill is fascinating for children of all ages. Demonstrations of spinning and open-hearth cooking in the tenant farmer's house are scheduled frequently.

Topography
Westchester County generally exhibits a beautiful diversity of surface. The northwestern corner is considerably broken by the south east border of the Highlands, of a mountain character, and a range of hills of moderate height extends from York Island towards the north east extremity on which are situated the heights and hills much known in the revolution. Based upon primitive rock, the soil is naturally sterile, but is rendered productive by careful and painful cultivation.

For the most part, the communities in northern Westchester are less densely populated and have less commercial development than those in central and Southern Westchester. Urban development in the North County area is generally confined to historic transportation corridors along the Hudson River, the New York to Albany rail line, and the Route 9 highway, the old New York to Albany Post Road. The eastern part of the North County area, including the Towns of North Salem, Lewisboro, and Pound Ridge, tends to be less developed than the western part.

Westchester History
Before the days of railroads or highways, Westchester had the trade routes of the Hudson River and Long Island Sound; later, in the 18th century, the primitive post roads to Albany and Boston were cut through Westchester's rolling, wooded hills.

Learn about Westchester County history and its role in the American Revolution, the arrival of the railroads in the 1840s and more. Also read "History and Antiquities", a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, and anecdotes about Westchester County and its towns. "Old" and "New" History of Westchester County

You can even sign-up for TRANSalert, email . . as part of the Transportation Regional Advisory Network System, the New York State Thruway Authority offers an email service to its customers to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway.

Also available are travel Plazas by name and location with a link to additional restaurant and service information.

On the Traveler Information page, press the National Weather Service button for weather maps including: warnings & forecasts, graphical forecasts, national maps, radar, and air quality.

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Sing Sing Prison - History as written yesterday and today.
Compare the history of Sing Sing Prison as recorded in 1841 to the history of Sing Sing Prison as recorded in 2006 (see below).

Sing Sing Prison- History published 1841
"In 1823, the solitary system of imprisonment was abandoned at the Auburn prison, and was succeeded in 1824 by the present system of shutting up the convicts in separate cells by night and compelling them to labor diligently during the day. "in May, 1828, the convicts then in the old state prison in this city were removed to Sing Sing, and the old prison here was emptied of its inmates and abandoned forever as a prison.

The Mount Pleasant prison at Sing Sing is 33 miles from this city on the eastern shore of the Hudson River, and the ground on which it stands is about 10 feet above high-water mark. The prison grounds contain 130 acres, and the wharf is approachable by vessels drawing 12 feet of water. The prison, keeper's house, workshops, etc. are build by rough dressed stone. The prison for the males is 480 feet in length from north to south and 44 in width, fronting towards the west, or the Hudson River. This building is five stories high, containing a line of 100 cells in all . . .

The officers of the prison, or those connected with its government, business, interests, health, and morals, are : five inspectors, a principal keeper, agent, clerks, physician, and chaplain, 25 assistant keepers, and 26 guards. These, except the clerk,, are appointed by the Board of Inspectors, and hold their offices during their pleasure. The clerk is appointed by the governor and senate, and holds his office for four years . . .

In this prison the convicts are compelled to labor in silence - no conversation by word, look, or gesture being allowed between or amongst them. If any information is needed by the prisoner in regard, to his business, he modestly applies to, and obtains it of his keeper, one of whom is always near him in each department of labor.

The utmost harmony of movement in the various businesses conducted, and the most perfect order reigns. The whole internal machinery of the prison, with its more than 800 hardy convict laborers, resembles more the quiet industry and subordination to authority of a well-regulated family, than an institution for the punishment of hardened offenders.

The hours of labor are not more than laboring men out of prison generally labor. The food afforded is ample. The ration for each day consists of either 16 ounces of good prime beef, or 12 ounces of prime pork, 8 ounces of rye flour, 12 ounces of sifted Indian meal, and half a gill of molasses per ma; and three bushels of potatoes, or 40 pounds of rice, 4 quarts of rye in the grain for coffee, 2 quarts of vinegar, and two ounces of pepper to every 100 rations. This is all weighed or measure out each day the superintendent of the kitchen. The bread is well baked, and the provisions well cooked by some of the convicts employed for that purpose. Their provisions are put in small wooden vessels called kids, which are place on racks, one of which each prisoner takes as he retires from labor to his cell, in which he is locked, and where silently he eats his repast. If any convict requires more food, on making his wants known , he is supplied from the kitchen . . ."

Sing Sing Prison - History as recorded in 2006
Sing Sing is the familiar name of New York State's notorious prison, located at Ossining on the Hudson River north of New York City. The description of imprisonment as being "sent up the river" originated there. Sing Sing was constructed in the 1820s by inmate labor under the direction of the first warden, Elan Lynds. Initially the institution operated under the "silent" system. By night prisoners were confined to single-occupancy cells of less than thirty square feet. By day they worked together quarrying stone. They were required to remain silent at all times. When they moved about, they marched in lockstep with their eyes downcast. They were brutally whipped for any transgression.

The "silent" system was abolished at the end of the nineteenth century. In the 1930s Sing Sing provided the model for gangster movies, which created vivid imagery of the harsh prison culture. New York's electric chair was located at Sing Sing, and Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were executed at Sing Sing in 1953.

Sing Sing remains a maximum-security prison for violent offenders. Most of the original structure has been replaced, but the first cell block is preserved and is listed in the National Registry of Historic Sites.

During the inmates' stays at the prison their lives were constantly filled with hardships and sometimes no rest. A normal day consisted of working for "ten hours and forty-five minutes starting at six in the morning and ending at six" in the evening. The other hour and fifteen minutes were spent eating and walking to and from work. "This work schedule was set during the summer days from May 15th to September 15th." As time passed from the summer days to colder winter type days the work hours were cut down to "eight hours and forty-five minutes or nine hours and forty-seven minutes" approximately. The hours they were not working they were locked up in their cells for the most part. It was hard for inmates to develop good work habits since there were no incentives or rewards such as good behavior time given to them.

The inmates would march directly from work to the cells where they would receive bread and coffee. In the morning they would receive hash and coffee; the hash was made up of the left over meats from the previous day and potato. Time and time again the inmates would receive this same food for breakfast and dinner unless instructed by a physician that it be changed for sick inmates to mush and molasses. Due to the type of food the men would get, during the winter many of the men would become sick. More than 100 men would suffer from scurvy and eleven died from Asiatic cholera and fifteen from tuberculosis in the year of 1854. Those sick and mentally unstable men were segregated in a completely different section of the prison called the "outer Ward". The "insane men were transferred to the Utica State Hospital but this practice was prohibited by the Legislature in 1854, because of the objection to mixing both citizen and criminal insane."

The weekends seem just as painful as the punishments they would receive when they behaved with misconduct. As soon as they would finish work on Friday afternoon until Monday morning they were locked in the cells. The only time that they would not be locked in the cells is when they would attend the chapel for a short amount of time. "In 1912 the first Sunday dinner was served in the mess hall. A year later soup or some other inexpensive dish was added to the daily supper of bread and coffee, and the meal served in the mess hall rather than in the cells, terminating at last a practice that had governed the evening meal for 90 years. Columbus Day, 1912, was the first holiday the men spent out of their cells."

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