The Long Island History Project podcast welcomes back former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer. Bill is an author and historian with a number of Long Island-related history books to his credit and today we dive into his work on the Culper Spy Ring. [Read more…] about Long Island’s Culper Spy Ring History
Culper Spy Ring
Records Reveal an Overlooked Hero of the Culper Spy Ring
In 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
Today 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
On 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
There 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
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
Our 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
I 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
Anna Smith Strong: Patriot and Spy
With the story of the Culper Spy Ring enjoying a renaissance, we talk with Margo Arceri of Strong’s Neck in Setauket, Long Island, who heard the story of from the great-great-granddaughter of one of the spies herself. She went on to found Tri-Spy Tours and Culper Spy Day while also working with the Three Village Historical Society.
As a bonus, we also had Danielle Campbell join the conversation. Danielle is an anchor and reporter for News 12 Long Island and produces the Long Island’s Hidden Past segment for the cable channel. [Read more…] about Anna Smith Strong: Patriot and Spy
Culper Ring: Washington’s Spy Letters
The Culper Spy Ring has taken hold of the public imagination in recent years. From the work of historian Alexander Rose to the AMC series Turn, this story of a tight-knit group of Long Island natives spying for George Washington during the Revolution provides a compelling narrative.
On the latest episode of the Long Island History Project, we take a closer look at the primary sources that help document the Culper story. Kristen Nyitray, Director of Special Collections and University Archives at Stony Brook University, and Chris Filstrup, former Dean of SBU Libraries, discuss their pursuit and acquisition of two letters by George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge about the operations of the spy ring. We also discus how the letters helped form closer ties among community groups involved in interpreting and promoting this fascinating aspect of Long Island history. [Read more…] about Culper Ring: Washington’s Spy Letters