The Counterfeiters of Pine Island
Pine Island has been the subject of many legends over the years. Now an unihabited island used seasonally by hunters and
fisherman, the island has had a reputation for providing shelter to outlaws, smugglers, and anyone needing some place to
hide from society. One of the most interesting stories about Pine Island concerns a gang of counterfeiters who found the
Great Swamp to be a perfect hiding place for the gang. In his article, The Great Swamp, Horace E. Hillery writes:
"Between 1744-1757 a clever gang of counterfeiters operated in the Swamp. At times members of the Gang were
captured and imprisoned but managed to escape, probably with outside help. Finally their ringleader was caught and
hung. He confessed to printing thousands of colonial counterfeit bills, mostly Rhode Island twenty shilling notes worth
about $2.50 each. No less than $4000 was passed in one day. He said there were 29 in the gang but refused to tell who
they were. The printing plates were never seized. A score of the early families helped round up the Gang. This was one
reason New 'York' money was demanded in early contracts in this area. During the Revolutionary War both British and
Continental money was counterfeited and had much to do with the expression 'not worth a continental'".
Pine Island is about 30 acres in size, and is located in the Patterson portion of The Great Swamp.
