Oyster Bay in Nassau County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Hill
Townsend Burying Ground
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
1. Fort Hill Marker
Buried here are John Townsend 1668; Robert Townsend, “Culper, Jr.” (1753 – 1838) of General Washington’s intelligence service and his sister Sally Townsend (1761 – 1842) both instrumental in the disclosure of the Benedict Arnold – John André plot to surrender West Point to the British in 1780. Cemetery owned by the Town of Oyster Bay.
Erected by The Friends of Raynham Hall Incorporated.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • 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 1668.
Location. 40° 52.185′ N, 73° 31.945′ W. Marker is in Oyster Bay, New York, in Nassau County. Marker is on Simcoe Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in a cemetery located behind the easternmost house on Simcoe Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. John Townsend (a few steps from this marker); Fortified Hill (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The British Occupation (about 700 feet away); Earle-Wightman House Museum
this page online
Also see . . . The Culper Gang - Spy Letters of the American Revolution. University of Michigan, William L. Clemens Library entry (Submitted on May 5, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
2. Fort Hill Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
3. Marker in Townsend Burying Ground
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
4. Townsend Burying Ground Marker
Marker is seen here from outside the cemetery.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
5. Grave of John Townsend
John Townsend settled in Oyster Bay in 1661 after arriving from England. He owned the land where this cemetery is located.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
6. Graves of Robert and Sally Townsend
Robert Townsend and his sister Sally were part of the Culper Spy Ring that provided valuable information to Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War.
via History Collection, 1813
7. Robert Townsend, codename ‘Samuel Culper, Jr.’
The only known portrait of the man. Nassau County Historical Society
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,472 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 5, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 7. submitted on February 7, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
