New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Culper Spy Ring

Long Island Revolutionary History: A Suffolk County Tour

by 2 Comments

Detail of 1777 map of Long Island and Connecticut by Bernard Romans (courtesy Library of Congress)As we celebrated another birthday for America this July 4th I was reminded of the rich history and vital role that New York played in the founding of this nation. This is no less true within the sandy shores and glacial uplands of Long Island.

Drive south on William Floyd Parkway today, through the Suffolk County communities of Yaphank, Mastic, Shirley, and Mastic Beach, and it might be hard to imagine that this area was once the site of a great struggle between a world power and the early American settlers who came to yearn for independence. [Read more…] about Long Island Revolutionary History: A Suffolk County Tour

Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution

by Leave a Comment

long island history project logoWe’re returning to Revolutionary War era Long Island on this episode of The Long Island History Project podcast. And while the Culper Spy Ring does play a part, we are turning the focus to a woman whose story and connections to the Ring were ignored and misrepresented until reconstructed by Claire Bellerjeau. Her book with Tiffany Yecke Brooks, Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution (Lyons Press, 2021), brought to life the meticulous research Bellerjeau conducted over years to illustrate Liss (Elizabeth), a woman surviving through tumultuous times. [Read more…] about Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution

Records Reveal an Overlooked Hero of the Culper Spy Ring

by Leave a Comment

Selah StrongIn late 1777, Patriot and Long Island-native Selah Strong was arrested for what in present-day terms would be regarded as spying. While Selah’s spouse, Anna “Nancy” Strong, and his close friends would be considered part of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring, only a few historians have included Selah as a member.

This network of spies operated during the Revolutionary War and smuggled information out of the British headquarters in New York City via British-occupied Long Island and across the Long Island Sound, eventually to the Commander-in-Chief himself. By re-examining primary sources for the first time in hundreds of years, Selah’s heroic role in the Culper Spy Ring finally comes to light. [Read more…] about Records Reveal an Overlooked Hero of the Culper Spy Ring

Culper Spy Ring At Drowned Meadow, Long Island

by Leave a Comment

long island history project logoToday we dive back into a discussion of the Culper Spy Ring, turning our attention to the area of Port Jefferson, Long Island or, more appropriately, its original incarnation of Drowned Meadow. The village of Port Jefferson is opening the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum inside the 18th century home of Culper ring member Phillips Roe. [Read more…] about Culper Spy Ring At Drowned Meadow, Long Island

Nathaniel Sackett: Godfather of American Intelligence

by 5 Comments

Sackett Letter from WashingtonOn May 23, 1789, Nathaniel Sackett sent a long, rambling letter to newly inaugurated president George Washington. The letter informed Washington that Congress had denied Sackett’s proposal that he be granted federal lands in order to create a new state bounded by the Ohio, Scioto, and Muskingum Rivers and Lake Erie. [Read more…] about Nathaniel Sackett: Godfather of American Intelligence

Long Island Project: Setauket’s Deeper History

by 2 Comments

long island history project logoThere is more to Setauket, Long Island than the story of the Culper Spy Ring. The deeper story, which includes the original Setalcott inhabitants and generations of African Americans, does not often show up in the historical record.

On the latest episode of The Long Island History Project, we speak with anthropologist Christopner Matthews about how archaeology can help bring this neglected past to life. [Read more…] about Long Island Project: Setauket’s Deeper History

Feinman: Make NYS History Great Again

by Leave a Comment

On August 28, 2012, Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the Path through History program.

The plenary address was given by Kenneth Jackson of Columbia University. In his address, Jackson spoke of the ways in which New York had been a national leader over the centuries. He recounted various events, named various people and places, and highlighted the prominence of the Empire State. He also noted how much better other states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia were at touting their history. You would never know that George Washington spent more time here than in any other state during the American Revolution.

How have things gone in the last six years? What should we advocate for during this gubernatorial election year? To read more go to Make New York State History Great Again.

 

Long Island’s Austin Roe: American Spy

by Leave a Comment

Austin RoeOur story begins in late April of 1790. A former general and spymaster is traveling a dusty and remote country road through sparsely settled Long Island to a small seaside fishing village called Setauket.

The former military man and espionage leader was the highest-ranking officer in the Continental Army. He travels with a small retinue of armed soldiers and cavalry officers. As the chief magistrate of his government, President Washington is too important to his nation and his people to fall into enemy hands. [Read more…] about Long Island’s Austin Roe: American Spy

Culper Spies: Curse of the Black Letter

by 7 Comments

Col Jacob Griffin portraitI was researching the biography of Dutchess County Revolutionary War Militia Colonel Jacob Griffin. I was having a hard time of it.

By sheer accident I came upon an old historical text entitled New York in the Revolution, as Colony and State: Supplement. The book was compiled and written during the years 1895-1901, by a former New York State comptroller Erastus C. Knight (and others). It’s an incredibly detailed account of the New York State Assembly’s and Militia’s legal, financial and military policies, procedures and activities from the outset of the American Revolution in 1774 through its conclusion in late 1783. [Read more…] about Culper Spies: Curse of the Black Letter