Oyster Bay in Nassau County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Raynham Hall Museum
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 28, 2011
1. Raynham Hall Museum Marker
From 1776 to 1783, this house was used as headquarters for the Loyalist Queen’s Rangers. It was the home of Robert Townsend, a spy for General Washington.
Revolutionary War Heritage Trail
Erected by New York State.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 40° 52.337′ N, 73° 31.913′ W. Marker is in Oyster Bay, New York, in Nassau County. Marker is on W Main Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 W Main Street, Oyster Bay NY 11771, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Culper Spy Ring (here, next to this marker); The great chain hoax . . . . (here, next to this marker); Raynham Hall (a few steps from this marker); Matinecock Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); Fortified Hill (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); End of An Era (about 500 feet away); Theodore Roosevelt (about 500 feet away); Oyster Bay Honor Roll (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oyster Bay.
More about this
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Raynham Hall Museum website. Museum website homepage (Submitted on May 29, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Stories of Spies and letters - The Culper Gang. University of Michigan, William L. Clements library entry (Submitted on May 29, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. Raynham Hall - National Archives. National Register of Historic Places documentation (Submitted on April 7, 2024, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 28, 2011
2. Marker in Oyster Bay
The Raynham Hall Museum marker is seen here on the left. It can be overlooked due to the foliage near it.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 28, 2011
3. Raynham Hall Museum
Among the intelligence uncovered by Robert Townsend and the Culper Spy Ring was Benedict Arnold's plot to give up West Point to the British.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2015
4. Parlor in Raynham Hall
Col. John Simcoe used this room as his office when he was headquartered at Raynham Hall between November 19, 1778 and May 19, 1779.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2015
5. Office of Samuel Townsend
Samuel Townsend ran his shipping and mercantile business from this room.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2015
6. Simcoe's Bedroom
During his stay at Raynham Hall, Col. Simcoe slept in this room. At a different time, it was occupied by Maj. John Andre, who conspired with Benedict Arnold for the taking of West Point.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2015
7. Bedroom in Raynham Hall
During the British occupation, the Townsend family was relegated to this single room.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 728 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 8, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
