Glen Cove, N.Y.— Congressman Tom Suozzi (D–Long Island, Queens) announced the introduction of the Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail Designation Act, legislation that would designate a new National Historic Trail highlighting the crucial role Long Island played in securing America’s independence. He leads this bipartisan bill alongside his Long Island colleague, Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Long Island).
The proposed trail would span approximately 50 miles along the north short of Long Island and Queens, from Little Neck to Port Jefferson, connecting key sites used by the legendary Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution.
“The story of the Culper Spy Ring is one of courage and patriotism played out right here on Long Island,” said Congressman Suozzi. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it’s incumbent upon us to honor the brave men and women who risked everything for freedom, especially those whose heroism took place in our backyard. By establishing this National Historic Trail, we honor their legacy, preserve our history, and take great pride in Long Island’s role in American independence.”
“As America approaches its 250th birthday, Congress should recognize that without the Culper Spy Ring, General George Washington may never have turned the tide of the Revolution and set the United States on the path to becoming the greatest nation in the world,” said Congressman LaLota.
The Culper Spy Ring, a network of American patriots operating behind enemy lines, gathered intelligence on British troop movements in New York, helped expose traitor Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point to the British, helped protect the vital alliance between American and French forces, and otherwise transferred information to General George Washington across the Long Island Sound.
Key sites along the proposed trail include Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay, the Arsenal in Huntington, and the Brewster House in Setauket.
The legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to work in partnership with local stakeholders to develop and administer the trail, ensuring public access and historical preservation.
The Washington Spy Ring National Historic Trail would join the National Trails System, a network that promotes historic preservation, outdoor recreation, and heritage tourism across the United States.
“This designation tells the story of how Long Island helped shape the future of our nation,” Suozzi stated. “This is a proud, bipartisan celebration of both our country and our community.”
Discover Long Island’s Long Island Heritage Trail
Meanwhile, you can explore the Culper Spy Trail and Long Island Heritage Trail on your own. Discover Long Island, the regional destination marketing organization, offers a four-day itinerary.
Although it was largely occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War, there were many brave Patriots who risked their lives in the Washington Spy Ring to get George Washington the information he needed to win the war.
Stretching along Long Island’s North Shore is Route 25A, also known as the Long Island Heritage Trail. President George Washington traveled this same route in a 1790 horse-drawn carriage tour on a mission to thank his Long Island Revolutionary War supporters and the ‘Culper Spy Ring’ for their help in winning the American Revolution. Among the sites to visit are Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay, where the Townsends became part of the Washington Spy Ring; TheArsenalin Huntington, where Job Sammis hid stores of gunpowder in his attic during the onset of the British occupation; the Conklin House where Sybil Conklin lived and worked here while her husband, David was held prisoner by the British during the Revolutionary War; in Lloyd Harbor, the British occupied Joseph Lloyd Manor,and the Brewster House in Stony Brook where American Patriot Caleb Brewster spied on British soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
See where the British had a garrison quartered where the Battle of Setauket was fought near the Setauket Presbyterian Church on Caroline Ave. Nearby on Dyke Rd is the Woodhull Home marker, and go down Strongs Neck Rd., where Anna Smith Strong and Abraham Woodhull lived. Stop in at the Thompson House to see some of the spies’ names in the doctor’s book. In East Setauket, Sherwood-Jayne Farm was the home of Loyalist William Jayne, also known as “Big Bill the Tory”.
Make sure to visit the Three Village Historical Society to see exhibits on the ‘Spy Ring’ and to find out about special events and tours.
Stony Brook University Library’s Special Collections has two original Culper Spy Ring letters from General Washington to his Long Island spymaster. Make an appointment to learn more.
On the South Shore, be sure to visit Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore, built in 1697. British forces occupied the Manor briefly during the Revolutionary War. President George Washington stayed here during his tour of Long Island in 1790.
Discover Long Island offers this suggested four day itinerary: https://www.discoverlongisland.com/plan-your-trip/trip-ideas/a-historical-getaway/.
See also: NEW YORK STATE CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH
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