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Anna Strong: The Spy Who Helped Win the American Revolution

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

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Anna Strong was an American spy who played a vital role in the American Revolution. She gathered intelligence, delivered messages, and even helped to plan military campaigns. Her story is one of courage, determination, and patriotism.

Anna Strong: A Spy During the American Revolution

by Sarah Glenn Marsh

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9588 KB
Print length	:	40 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Early Life

Anna Strong was born in Setauket, New York, in 1740. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a schoolteacher. Anna was a bright and inquisitive child, and she loved to read and learn. She was also a skilled horsewoman and a crack shot with a rifle.

In 1765, Anna married Selah Strong, a farmer and merchant. The couple had three children. Anna and Selah were both strong supporters of the American Revolution, and they were active in the local militia.

A Spy is Born

In 1775, the American Revolution began. Anna Strong was quick to offer her services to the Continental Army. She was recruited by George Washington himself, who recognized her intelligence and her skills as a horsewoman and a marksman.

Anna's first assignment was to gather intelligence on British troop movements. She disguised herself as a man and rode through the countryside, gathering information from farmers, merchants, and soldiers. She was also able to deliver messages to American generals and spies.

As the war progressed, Anna's role became more and more important. She helped to plan military campaigns, and she even led a group of spies into British territory.

The Battle of Saratoga

One of Anna Strong's most important contributions to the American Revolution was her role in the Battle of Saratoga. In 1777, the British army was marching south from Canada, and it seemed that they would soon capture Albany, New York. This would have cut off New England from the rest of the colonies.

Anna Strong was sent to gather intelligence on the British army. She learned that the British were planning to cross the Hudson River at Schuylerville, New York. She also learned that the British were expecting reinforcements from General John Burgoyne.

Anna's intelligence was vital to the American victory at Saratoga. The Americans were able to block the British crossing of the Hudson River, and they also defeated Burgoyne's reinforcements. The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the American Revolution, and Anna Strong's intelligence played a major role in the American victory.

Later Life

After the American Revolution, Anna Strong returned to her home in Setauket. She continued to be active in her community, and she was a strong supporter of women's rights.

Anna Strong died in 1812. She is buried in the Setauket Presbyterian Churchyard. Her grave is marked with a simple headstone that reads: "Anna Strong, a spy in the American Revolution."

Legacy

Anna Strong was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the American Revolution. She was a courageous, determined, and patriotic woman, and her story is an inspiration to us all.

Anna Strong's legacy lives on today. She is remembered as one of the most important spies in American history, and her story continues to be told and retold.