Benedict Arnold (1741–1801) was an American general who switched sides to join the British during the Revolutionary War. His infamous betrayal, motivated primarily by greed and resentment, almost resulted in the loss of the critically important American fortress at West Point. For his actions, Arnold’s name has become virtually synonymous with treachery.
Prior to switching sides, though, Arnold was widely praised. He was one of the leaders of the successful attack on Fort Ticonderoga in New York in 1775, and he also served—and was seriously injured—at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, a major turning point in the war. Were it not for his actions later in the war, it is possible that Arnold would be remembered as a national hero.
Benedict Arnold V was born in Connecticut and served in the colony’s militia during the French and Indian War. Like many colonists, he was outraged by the taxes imposed by the British in the 1760s and rejoined the army after the outbreak of the Revolution in 1775.
Despite his early victory at Ticonderoga, the Continental Congress passed Arnold over for promotion several times. He was also accused of misappropriating funds and forced to repay the army for some expenditures, which added to his considerable personal debt and growing sense of resentment against Congress. Finally, Arnold married the daughter of a Loyalist in 1779, and she encouraged him to defect. With her help, Arnold began secret negotiations with the British later that year.
In 1780, Arnold was put in charge of West Point and intensified his discussions with the British. He eventually reached an arrangement with the British to surrender the fort for £20,000. Had it worked, the scheme would have effectively split New England from the Mid-Atlantic colonies, dealing a major blow to the Continental Army. However, the plan was discovered in September 1780. Arnold narrowly avoided arrest before fleeing.
After his defection, Arnold was named a brigadier general in the British army and fought in several battles against his old allies. He moved to London after the war, where he died at age sixty.
ADDITIONAL FACTS
- Arnold’s great-grandfather, Benedict Arnold I (1615–1678), was the governor of Rhode Island for three terms between 1663 and 1678.
- The Saratoga battlefield contains the “Boot Monument” to Arnold’s leg—a statue of the general’s injured limb that makes no mention of the rest of him.
- Arnold was married twice and had eight children, two of whom became British military officers.
