TOWN OF NORTH CASTLE - TOWN HISTORY
by Doris Finch Watson
Town of North Castle Historian
Revolutionary Times

During the Revolution, North Castle was officially considered neutral territory, though it was strongly patriotic.  During the Battle of White Plains, General Washington had men positioned high in North Castle’s hills.  Examples of protective earthworks can still be seen at Miller Hill, where Washington’s men fired down at the British troops of General Howe, holding them from advancing.  As a result, many historians feel the battle and the hills of North Castle marked an important turning point in the Revolution.

Another important Revolutionary War event occurred in North Castle involving the infamous British spy, Major John Andre.  On September 23, 1780 he was captured in Tarrytown with plans of West Point that were given to him by American General Benedict Arnold.  Andre was escorted to the army post at Thomas Wright’s Mill (later known as Sands’ Mills) where he was contained and prevented from returning to Arnold.  A few days later, in Tappan, New York, Andre was tried as a spy and hanged.