Oyster Bay honors Culper Spy Ring's Robert Townsend at historic Fort Hill Cemetery

The Town of Oyster Bay unveiled a historical marker Thursday honoring the Townsend family legacy, including Robert Townsend, a member of Gen. George Washington's renowned Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and other local officials pulled a drape off the dark green marker at historic Fort Hill Cemetery as part of the town's celebration of America's 250th birthday, highlighting Oyster Bay's connection to Revolutionary War history.

Saladino also highlighted the role of Townsend, who was known as "Culper Jr.," noting that he worked undercover in Washington's spy ring gathering intelligence on British activities and providing information to the Continental Army during the war.

"Today we assure ourselves that his story and the story of Oyster Bay's role in founding our nation will never be forgotten," Saladino said.

The marker also recognizes the historic lineage of the Townsend family, including John and Henry Townsend, signers of the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657. Saladino praised that document as one of the earliest declarations of religious freedom in America.

The unveiling is part of a larger historical initiative to preserve the Townsend family's roots in Oyster Bay. The Townsend family home, known as Raynham Hall, is now a museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Town officials have worked to restore and reunite members of the Townsend family at Fort Hill Cemetery after many gravestones from a former family burial ground in Jericho were displaced because of road construction.

Town officials say there are many historical sites like the cemetery that are tucked away in places residents might not expect.

"I am extremely proud of the history that we have here," Town Clerk Richard LaMarca said. "There are several cemeteries just like this throughout Oyster Bay, in places that you would never think of, in the backyard of residents."

Town officials said more markers will be unveiled throughout Oyster Bay during the year in an effort to promote historical tourism and educate residents about the town's past.

"We will transform our community into a living classroom of history," Saladino said. "We want every resident, every student and every visitor to understand the world-changing events that happened right here in Oyster Bay."