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America's First Spy Ring

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America's First Spy Ring AMERICA’S FIRST SPY RING DAY 1: Take a boat excursion to Execution Rocks lighthouse just off Sand’s Point to learn EXECUTION ROCKS how British colonial authorities are said to have executed ‘Rebels’ by chaining them to the rocks at low tide, allowing the rising water to drown them. As added torture, the bones of those previously executed were left for the new captives to contemplate. The three hour tour leaves from Port Washington Town Dock on Main Street in Port Washington. Return for an early dinner at a seafood restaurant and evening stroll/shopping in the quaint village. DAY 2: Long Island was a center for spy activity during the Revolutionary War and many BRITISH OCCUPATION here were credited by General George Washington for the ‘behind the scenes’ help they gave in winning the war. Although Long Island became a captured AND SECRET SPIES British stronghold early in the war at the Battle of Long Island, the ‘spy ring’ here (also called the Culper Spy Ring), was extremely active despite extreme danger, due to its close proximity to British military headquarters in New York. Discover the fascinating tale of one of America’s most important secret spies, Robert Townsend (Culper, Jr.) during a visit to the Townsend family home at Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay. Lunch in Huntington Village and hike and swim at Target Rock National Refuge, which gets its name from a large rock there that the British used for target practice during the Revolutionary War. DiscoverLongIsland.com • 631.951.3900 AMERICA’S FIRST SPY RING DAY 3: Visit the Huntington Militia Arsenal where you can experience what life was like AMERICAN for the common soldier and his family during the Revolutionary War. Also nearby in Huntington is the 1750 David Conklin Farmhouse, which survived the advance RESISTANCE of the British who overtook the town during the American Revolution. See where Sybil Conklin lived with her children while her husband, David, was held prisoner by the British. Then explore history at the Huntington Historical Society’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building on Main St., Huntington. DAY 4: Take a guided kayak tour or a ‘Discovery’ cruise of the Stony Brook/Setauket area. This part of the Long Island Heritage Trail was the center of spy activity for CENTER OF SPY the Revolution. The spies here supplied General George Washington with the ACTIVITY information needed to prevent the British from capturing Newport, Rhode Island, where the French fleet was stationed. Whaleboat man Caleb Brewster carried messages across Long Island Sound where Benjamin Tallmadge, leader of the ring, waited to carry them to Washington’s headquarters. Visit the Brewster House in East Setauket. Lunch at the Country House Restaurant, rumored to be haunted by a young girl accused of treason during the war. Then a cemetery tour where patriots from the Revolutionary War are buried. DAY 5: Visit Sagtikos Manor in West Bayshore. British soldiers and top ranking officers GEORGE WASHINGTON stayed at the manor. But when the war was won, President George Washington toured the area to thank the loyal Patriots, and according to his personal journal, SLEPT HERE also spent the night at Sagtikos Manor. Lunch in Babylon Village before an after- noon trip to Long Island’s famous ocean beaches. For more information, please contact: Jennifer Rothman Domestic & International, and Sports Sales Manager Phone: +01 (631) 951-3900 Email: [email protected] DiscoverLongIsland.com • 631.951.3900.
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