The American Encampment at Ardsley High School Historical Marker

In the summer of 1781 (over 240 years ago) 4,000 soldiers were camped on both sides of Military Road (now known as Heatherdell Road). The property on the North side of the road is where Ardsley High School is now located. These soldiers were part of the Continental Army under the leadership of General George Washington, that was fighting in the American Revolution. They camped and trained here for 6 weeks (from July 6 to August 19) under officers such as Alexander Hamilton. The density of the military population was so great during that time that local historian Robert A. Selig refers to it as “the fourth-largest city behind New York, Philadelphia and Boston.”

The significance of this encampment can be better understood in the context of 3 other related locations: George Washington’s headquarters (at Joseph Appleby’s farmhouse, which was located on Secor Road near WFAS radio station); the French Encampment (at Sunningdale Country Club on Underhill Road); General Rochambeau’s headquarters at the Odell House (which is now undergoing renovations with eventual plans to turn it into a museum).  Generals Washington and Rochambeau met frequently at the Odell House to plan their strategy.

French assistance was brokered by none other than Benjamin Franklin. The French viewpoint was that the “enemy of my enemy is my friend.”  The common enemy being Great Britain.  France provided the Americans with much needed cash and soldiers.

General Washington’s original plan had been to attack the British forces in New York.  However, the information discovered during the Grand Reconnaissance made Washington reconsider this plan.  The Grand Reconnaissance was the joint French-American military operation in Westchester County and the Bronx from July 21-23.  The troops spent their time surveying the British strength at various locations to determine if a successful attack there was possible.  It soon became clear that it was not since the British forces had control of the “high ground” and they had superior troop strength.  As the generals debated strategy, they received news of French Admiral de Grasse’s plans to sail into Chesapeake Bay with much needed troops and supplies.  Generals Washington and Rochambeau then devised an ambitious plan to march together to Yorktown, VA where they engaged the enemy.  The decisive battle ended on Oct 19 when British General Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans.  After 5 long years the new nation had finally gained their independence.