The best way to get to the cemetery is by Simcoe St, and park near the end. Parking coordinates are listed below.
Samuel Culper Jr, was an anonymous figure, known to only a few during his lifetime. He worked as a member of George Washington's Culper Spy Ring, during the Revolutionary War. It is reported, that he wished that, not even George Washington to know his true identity. In 1930, with research, and matching handwriting, Morton Pennypacker, discovered that Robert Townsend, a prominent businessman from Oysterbay, was in fact Samuel Culper Jr.
Robert Townsend lived at Raynam Hall, until his death in 1838. He was a Quaker, and was never married. His position as a prominent businessman made him an ideal candidate for a spy, as it allowed him the freedom go to Manhattan, mix in with others, such as officers and refugees at coffeehouses, and notice the movements of men and equipment on lands and sea.
There are several reasons why Townsend became a spy. The most important one is a Quaker belief that shuns violence and fighting, which being a spy, doesn't include any violence. Robert Townsend was so influenced by Thomas Paine's book "Common Sense" that shortly thereafter, he volunteered in the Continental Army for a logistics position, and a spy was born.
Long Island was under British occupation and law at that time. Colonel J.G. Simcoe took over the Townsend house as British headquarters, and used the home as they pleased. The family was forced to swear their allegiance to the king, or be imprisoned.
Here are some of the key accomplishments of Samuel Culper Jr.
He learned of a British plot to counterfeit American dollars, which would have prevented the Americans from winning the war. The British had procured the reams of the paper needed to print the money. Congress had to recall all the dollars in circulation.
He warned Benjamin Tallmadge, another Culper Spy Ring member, of a spy working for the British, within the New York City mayor's office.
Due to the work of the Culper Spy Ring, George Washington was able to thwart British plans, by feeding the British false information and this allowed the French troops to safely land their forces, to aid the Americans in winning the war.
I've included a photo to help find Robert Townsend's grave. The coordinates here are a bit bouncy, however, his grave is easy to locate, as it is closest to the fence. The gravestone is no longer legible. In order to log this cache, you need to email me the following information;
1. Near Robert Townsend's grave, is a headstone, which is broken in two. The headstones are leaning up against each other, back to back. What is the first name on the one side, and find the month in which they died on the other.
2. Find the newest, most shiny and modern grey granite stone, near the fence corner. What is the first name of this person, and the year of birth and death.
3. Find the stone, which is below knee height, curved on one side, flat on the other. It is closer to the center of the cemetery. On the flat side is a metal plaque, with Robert's ancestor, John Townsend who arrived in America. What country did he emigrated from, and in what year?
4.Finally, please include a picture of yourself, or a personal item at the Fort Hill Townsend Burying Ground sign near the entrance gate.
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.