Major John Andre of the British Army died here on October 2, 1780, after entering the American lines on a secret mission to Benedict Arnold for the surrender of West Point and being taken prisoner, tried, and condemned as a spy. Though his death followed the stern code of war, it moved even his enemies to pity, and both armies mourned the fate of one so young and so brave. In 1821, his remains were removed to Westminster Abbey, one hundred years after his execution. George Washington judged that he was more unfortunate than criminal, an accomplished man and a gallant officer. The site was later preserved as a place of historic interest associated with one of the crises of the American Revolution and with the fortitude of Washington and his generals.
