Spies & Traitors

Mar 263 min read

This Day in History: The guy who spied on Benjamin Franklin

On this day in 1777, Dr. Edward Bancroft embarks on a journey to France. He plans to work as a spy! Bancroft would work directly with...

This Day in History: Aaron Burr arrested for treason

tara

Feb 193 min read

This Day in History: Aaron Burr arrested for treason

On this day in 1807, former Vice President Aaron Burr is arrested for treason. Less than three years earlier, he had killed Alexander...

This Day in History: Quaker Mom Helps George Washington

tara

Dec 2, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Quaker Mom Helps George Washington

On this day in 1777, a Quaker woman overhears British soldiers plotting an attack on George Washington’s army. She decides to act! Lydia...

This Day in History: John André hanged for working with Benedict Arnold

tara

Sep 29, 20233 min read

This Day in History: John André hanged for working with Benedict Arnold

On this day in 1780, the head of the British Secret Intelligence, John André, writes a letter to British General Sir Henry Clinton. André...

This Day in History: “Arnold has betrayed us!”

tara

Sep 25, 20233 min read

This Day in History: “Arnold has betrayed us!”

On this day in 1780, George Washington discovers Benedict Arnold’s treachery. “Arnold has betrayed us!” he reportedly lamented. “Whom can...

This Day in History: Benedict Arnold’s treachery exposed

tara

Sep 24, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Benedict Arnold’s treachery exposed

On this day in 1780, British Major John André writes a letter to George Washington. He’d been caught with incriminating papers in his...

This Day in History: The beginning of the end for Benedict Arnold

tara

Sep 21, 20233 min read

This Day in History: The beginning of the end for Benedict Arnold

On this day in 1780, Benedict Arnold secretly meets with British Major John André. His act of treason has become notorious. In fact, to...

This Day in History: Rose O’Neal Greenhow, Confederate Spy

tara

Aug 23, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Rose O’Neal Greenhow, Confederate Spy

On this day in 1861, Confederate spy Rose O’Neal Greenhow is placed under house arrest. When the Civil War began, Greenhow was a widow...

This Day in History: James Wilkinson, the “other” Benedict Arnold

tara

Dec 28, 20223 min read

This Day in History: James Wilkinson, the “other” Benedict Arnold

On this day in 1825, James Wilkinson dies in Mexico City. He has been called the “most notorious American traitor you’ve probably never...

This Day in History: James Rivington, Patriot Spy or Loyalist?

tara

Apr 13, 20223 min read

This Day in History: James Rivington, Patriot Spy or Loyalist?

On this day in 1775, a mob hangs James Rivington in effigy. A few weeks later, they attacked his home and office. But were they insulting...

This Day in History: Agent 355 & the Culper Spy Ring

tara

Oct 9, 20213 min read

This Day in History: Agent 355 & the Culper Spy Ring

On or around this day in 1780, a female agent in one of Washington’s spy rings may have been arrested. Can you believe that this woman...

This Day in History: James Armistead, slave turned American spy

tara

Dec 10, 20203 min read

This Day in History: James Armistead, slave turned American spy

On this day in 1748, James Armistead is born. He began life as a slave, but he would become an important spy during the American...

This Day in History: Covert operations & the American Revolution

tara

Nov 29, 20202 min read

This Day in History: Covert operations & the American Revolution

On this day in 1775, Americans take an important step in their fight against Great Britain: The Continental Congress establishes the...

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