Major John André Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Major John André Monument
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Major John André Monument
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 42 Andre Hill, Tappan, New York |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1879 |
| Architect | Taseman & Co.; Olmstead, B.S. |
| NRHP reference No. | 06001001 |
| Added to NRHP | November 8, 2006 |
The Major John André Monument is a special stone marker located in Tappan, New York. It's also known as the place where Major John André was put to death and first buried. This monument is made of gray granite and was built in 1879. It stands about 40 inches wide and 58 inches tall. The monument is in a round area about 31 feet across. It remembers the spot where Major John André died on October 2, 1780.
This important site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This means it's recognized as a place important to American history.
Contents
Building the André Monument
The Major John André Monument was built in 1879 by a rich man named Cyrus West Field. It was officially opened on October 2, 1879. When it was first put up, many people didn't like it. There were even three attempts to damage or destroy the monument:
- On February 22, 1882, a man named George Hendrix tried to hack and damage the monument.
- On March 30, 1882, an explosion caused a little bit of damage to the monument.
- On November 3, 1885, another explosion completely destroyed the iron fence around the monument and knocked the monument over.
Why Was It Controversial?
Many people felt that having a monument for a British spy was disrespectful to George Washington and the American heroes of the American Revolutionary War. Major John André was a British officer who worked as a spy during the war. He was caught while on a secret mission with Benedict Arnold, who was planning to betray the American side.
Because of this strong feeling, a bronze plaque was later added to the monument. This plaque was put there to honor the bravery of George Washington and his generals. It reminded everyone of their courage during a very difficult time in the war.
Who Owns the Monument Now?
After Cyrus Field passed away, his family decided not to pay the small taxes on the land where the monument stood. In October 1895, a man named George Dickey bought the land at a tax auction. This means he bought it because the taxes hadn't been paid.
Mr. Dickey then sold the land to the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society for $250 on November 13, 1905. This society worked to protect important historical places. When the society stopped operating in 1983, the property was given to Rockland County, New York. So, today, the county takes care of the monument.
What the Monument Says
The monument has a special message carved into it. Here is what it says:
HERE DIED OCTOBER 2, 1780.
MAJOR JOHN ANDRE, OF THE BRITISH ARMY
WHO ENTERED THE AMERICAN LINES
ON A SECRET MISSION TO BENEDICT ARNOLD
FOR THE SURRENDER OF WEST POINT,
WAS TAKEN PRISONER TRIED AND CONDEMNED AS A SPY.
HIS DEATH
THOUGH ACCORDING TO THE STERN CODE OF WAR
MOVED EVEN HIS ENEMIES TO PITY,
AND BOTH ARMIES MOURNED THE FATE
OF ONE SO YOUNG AND BRAVE.
IN 1821 HIS REMAINS WERE REMOVED TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY,
A HUNDRED YEARS AFTER HIS EXECUTION.
THIS STONE WAS PLACED ABOVE THE SPOT WHERE HE LAY,
NOT TO PERPETUATE THE RECORD OF STRIFE
BUT IN TOKEN OF THOSE BETTER FEELINGS
WHICH HAVE SINCE UNITED THE NATIONS
ONE IN RACE, IN LANGUAGE AND IN RELIGION,
WITH THE EARNEST HOPE THAT THIS FRIENDLY UNION
WILL NEVER BE BROKEN.
Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, Dean of Westminster
This inscription explains that Major André died there. It mentions he was a British officer on a secret mission with Benedict Arnold and was found guilty as a spy. It also says that even his enemies felt sad for him because he was young and brave. The message also shares a hope that the friendship between nations will continue and never be broken.
Gallery
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Monument with base
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Major John André Monument inscription, April 2008
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