Hardscrabble Road Plaque in Pleasantville of Major Andre Journey Erected by Yonkers’ Keskeskick Chapter, DAR, photo by Philomena Dunn, Regent of the Hudson River Patriots DAR Chapter
By Mary Hoar
On November 30, 1965, Keskeskick Chapter, the DAR Chapter based in Yonkers, dedicated a plaque in Pleasantville to mark the spot where British spy John Andre happened to stop water his horse.
Unveiled by Keskeskick Chapter Regent Mary Alma Sabine, the inscription reads, “At this spring in 1780, on the property of Joseph Durney, Major John Andre stopped to water his horse en route to New York. Further on was arrested by Americans, returned to West Point and was proven to have been plotting with Benedict Arnold regarding the surrender of West Point to the British. Was executed as a spy. This plaque placed here by Keskeskick Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.”
This was part of their quest to spread knowledge of the significant events that took place in Westchester, not by any means a tribute to the spy who schemed with Benedict Arnold. Mildred Rau, the chapter’s immediate Past Regent, clearly stated, “ We are not honoring these men today, but we are placing another link the chain of markers along the route Andre took from West Point that day.”
If Andre had not stopped for water, he would have passed through Tarrytown before the arrival of the three men who arrested him, and passed through the British line carrying the plans for selling West Point. A British fortress at that point would have changed the outcome of the war!
After moving to Pleasantville, Mrs. Ralph Mulligan learned the historical significance of the area from the Durneys, her neighbors across the road. After careful research, she came across a plot map showing Andre had watered his horse at the Durney spring. Aided by the Tarrytown Historical Society, she was able to document the location and gained the support of the Chapter.
Local and area officials, President General of DAR Mrs. William Sullivan, National Chairman of Children of the American Revolution Philip Horne, members of several Westchester DAR Chapters and the Tarrytown Historical Society attended the ceremony.
