John Jacob “Rifle Jack” Peterson was a Revolutionary war era patriot of African and Kitchewan descent whose quick thinking helped repel British forces in Croton, New York.

[2][3] In September 1780, Peterson, and a fellow private class soldier named Moses Sherwood who were then living near Croton Point[4][5] spied the English vessel Vulture sending a rowboat of men towards land.

The inscription says "Commemorating the defense of Teller's Point by George Sherwood and Jack Peterson who repulsed the landing of British troops from the "Vulture" September 21, 1780, aiding in the capture of Major Andre.

In 2004 the site of Peterson's heroism was added to the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County[12] based on research conducted by Dr. Larry Spruill.

[13][14] According to then Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano, a former history teacher, the selection of the site as one of 13 educational tour stops was made with the input of the African-American Advisory Board.