Intrigue at King’s Ferry

The crucial King’s Ferry crossing between Stony Point and Verplanck was guarded on both sides of the river by small American garrisons for most of the Revolutionary War, and military passes were required to use the ferry. In 1780, American Major General Benedict Arnold and British Major John Andre conspired to deliver the plans of West Point to the British, with Arnold offering to hand over the fortress in exchange for money and an independent command in the British Army. After meeting Arnold near Haverstraw in the early morning of September 22nd, Andre crossed at King’s Ferry that evening in a futile attempt to return to British lines. Arnold escaped when the plot was discovered, but Andre was captured on the morning of September 23rd carrying incriminating information and was taken to Tappan, where he was tried by court-martial and executed as a spy on October 2nd. In July 1779 the British captured King’s Ferry and fortified Stoney-point, gaining control of the crossing until the Americans retook the location four months later.

Stony Point, New York · United States