Marker Missing Near Monument Once Vandalized By Protesters

TAPPAN, NY — Blue-and-yellow markers across the Hudson Valley show where British Major John Andre was caught, tried and hanged as a spy in 1780.

The Andre Monument marks the site in Rockland County where the major, head of the intelligence services in the Americas, was hanged and buried after Benedict Arnold's plot to betray West Point was discovered. The 76 house, where Andre had been held, still exists (and is open, serving food not only on its 300-year-old porch but also a new garden patio).

The monument was erected on that spot in 1879 to commemorate that moment in history. Some people felt it disrespected Gen. George Washington, and were so angry that they first vandalized and then blew it up. Twice.

More recently, a blue-and-yellow marker leading to the Andre Monument has gone missing nearby. It disappeared sometime in the spring, The Journal News reported.

The jagged edge of the pole suggests that it may have been first ripped down by a truck collision, according to TJN. Whatever happened, it isn't anywhere to be found. The Tappantown Historical Society has applied for a grant to replace the marker.

By the way, the plot was discovered because Andre was captured near Tarrytown just before Washington arrived at West Point to tour Arnold's defenses. Arnold snuck away and made it down the Hudson to the British warship that had brought Andre upriver and was lurking between Verplanck and Stony Point. He sent Washington a defiant letter via Col. Alexander Hamilton, who had raced from West Point to Kings Ferry trying to catch Arnold before he could reach British command in New York City.