Learn about the important role that espionage played during the Revolutionary War and George Washington’s role as one of our nation's first spymasters.
Both the British and American forces during the Revolutionary War employed a wide range of spy networks and spycraft to gain critical information about the other side. George Washington quickly recognized the need for effective intelligence gathering efforts and developed a number of spy rings and other secret agents to gather information behind enemy lines. Washington was also particularly adept at supplying the British with misinformation that purposely misled his enemies as to his true intentions.
Spy Techniques of the Revolution
Spycraft during the American Revolution consisted of a complicated system of hidden networks and cunning.
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George Washington, Spymaster
Spies, secret codes, dead drops, and double agents. Learn how George Washington created a network for intelligence and espionage.
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Benedict Arnold: From Triumph to Traitor
Historian James Kirby Martin describes how George Washington and Benedict Arnold, once brothers in arms, became bitter enemies.
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James Fayette
James Fayette was a spy who helped secure American victory during the Revolutionary War. With his owner's permission, James joined the Continental forces under the Marquis de Lafayette and posed as a runaway slave to intercept British intelligence.
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Dead Drops and Invisible Ink
John A. Nagy, one of America’s leading scholars on espionage during the American Revolution sat down with us to share his observations on the important role that spies and spying played during the war.
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Agent 711: Revolutionary Spy Adventure App
Go undercover and test your spycraft skills as you solve ciphers, decode messages, and tackle challenges.
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Spies and Spycraft
Check out our extensive collection of books and products related to America's espionage efforts during the Revolutionary War.
The Culper Spy Ring
The Culper Spy Ring was an American spy network operating during the War of American Independence that provided George Washington with information on British troop movements. In November 1778, George Washington appointed Major Benjamin Tallmadge as director of military intelligence, charged with creating a spy ring in New York City, the site of British headquarters.
This network became known as the Culper Spy Ring and operated successfully in and around New York City for five years, during which time no spy was ever unmasked.
Benjamin Tallmadge oversaw the Culper Spy Ring operating out of New York (litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org)
The Culper Code Book
Under the orders of General George Washington, Major Benjamin Tallmadge organized the Culper Spy Ring in 1778 to gather information on British troop movements, fortifications, and military plans in the New York area.
It was essential in protecting the vital communications and identities of this important intelligence gathering group.
America's First Spymaster
The History Channel examines George Washington and the origins of spying in America.
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The Shops
Check out our extensive collection of books and products related to America's espionage efforts during the Revolutionary War.
