The Story of an Infamous Turncoat

Born in Connecticut in 1741, Benedict Arnold was apprenticed at an apothecary business as a young man. He served in the militia during the French and Indian War. Arnold had become prosperous merchant by the time the Revolutionary War broke out.

In 1775, Arnold joined the Continental Army. He partnered with Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys to capture the British garrison, Fort Ticonderoga.  In 1776, Arnold played a crucial role in stopping a British invasion of New York at the Battle of Lake Champlain. The following year, he brought about the surrender of British General John Burgoyne's army at Saratoga, NY. 

Yet, Arnold felt that he never received the recognition he deserved. Twice wounded, he was temporarily incapable of field command. When he accepted the position of military governor of Philadelphia in 1778, his loyalties began to change. Arnold concluded that his interests would be better served assisting the British than continuing to suffer for an ungrateful American army. 

Arnold entered into secret negotiations with the British. He agreed to turn over the U.S. post at West Point in return for money and a British military command. The plot was discovered, but Arnold escaped. He received a commission with the British army and served in several minor engagements against the Americans. Later, Arnold resided in England where he was treated with coldness and contempt.  In America, his name has become synonymous with the word "traitor". Benedict Arnold died as he lived, a man without a country. 









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