Benedict Arnold
Major General, Continental Army (later Brigadier General, British Army)
"Let me die in this old uniform in which I fought my battles. May God forgive me for ever putting on another."
Biography
The most gifted combat general on either side, Benedict Arnold's name became synonymous with treason — yet his contributions to American independence were arguably greater than any other officer except Washington. At Valcour Island he delayed the British invasion by a year; at Saratoga his unauthorized charge turned the tide of battle and secured the French alliance. Passed over for promotion by Congressional politics and falsely accused of corruption, he opened secret negotiations with the British in 1779. His plot to surrender West Point was exposed in 1780, and he fled to British lines. He died in London, despised by both sides.
Did you know?
Arnold was so badly wounded at Saratoga that his left leg was permanently shortened by two inches. He asked that his old uniform be put on him when he died and be buried with him — a final gesture toward his lost patriot identity. His left leg has a memorial at Saratoga without his name.
Key Battles
First Battle of Saratoga (Freeman's Farm)
British victorySeptember 19, 1777 · 920 total casualties
The first engagement of the Saratoga campaign established the pattern — American riflemen decimated British officers and Burgoyne's supply situation became increasingly desperate. The noose was tightening.
Second Battle of Saratoga (Bemis Heights)
Patriots victoryOctober 7, 1777 · 750 total casualties
The most consequential battle of the Revolution. France formally recognized American independence and entered the war as an ally in February 1778. Spain and the Netherlands followed. The conflict became a global war Britain could not easily win.
Life Journey
Timeline
January 14, 1741
🌅 Birth
Born in Norwich, Connecticut
May 10, 1775
⚔️ Battle
Captures Fort Ticonderoga with Ethan Allen — secures artillery for Boston
October 11, 1776
⚔️ Battle
Fights Battle of Valcour Island; delays British invasion by a year
September 19, 1777
⚔️ Battle
Aggressive attacks at Freeman's Farm despite Gates's caution
October 7, 1777
⚔️ Battle
Charges Breymann Redoubt without orders; wounded, seals Saratoga victory
1779–1780
📍 Posting
Commands West Point; secretly negotiates to surrender it to British
September 25, 1780
📍 Posting
Plot exposed when John André is captured; flees to British lines
June 14, 1801
✝️ Death
Dies in London, shunned by British and Americans alike