Spies of Revolutionary Connecticut

Discover true stories of daring and deceit in 18th century Connecticut in this history of American Revolutionary espionage.

 


Covert intelligence played a critical role in the American Revolution, and Connecticut produced an extraordinary number of spies on both sides of the conflict. The infamous traitor Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, while the Patriot Nathan Hale, who was executed by the British for espionage, was originally from Coventry.


 


Spying during the Revolution entailed false identities, coded messages, and the penalty of death for those caught in the act. It also involved new technologies like early submarines with the first exploding torpedoes. Despite the risk, some spies even played both sides as double agents, such as Edward Bancroft, who was never caught.


 


With stories of Silas Deane, Ethan Allen, Thomas Knowlton, the Culper Spy Ring, and others, author Mark Allen Baker navigates the intrigues, dangers, and double crosses of Connecticut's most legendary Revolutionary spies.