Benedict Arnold

Considered by many as a traitor of the American Revolution after leading the British army in battle against his previous allies.

other

January 14, 1741

Capricorn

June 14, 1801

60

Norwich, Connecticut

Benedict Arnold was a successful American revolutionary war general who later infamously betrayed his own country by switching sides to the British. He is most well known for his role in the plot to surrender the fort at West Point to the British forces. Some of his other notable works and achievements include his bravery and leadership in the battles of Saratoga, his efforts to secure vital strategic locations along the Hudson River, and his success as a merchant businessman before the war. Despite these accomplishments, his name has become synonymous with betrayal and treachery in American history.

Benedict Arnold got his name from his father, also named Benedict Arnold, who was a successful businessman in the New Haven area. When Benedict Arnold Jr. was born, his father was already well-respected and established, so he passed on his name to his son. Though the younger Arnold would go on to have his own successes, his name would forever be tarnished by his infamous act of treason during the American Revolution.

A lesser-known fact about Benedict Arnold is that he suffered a leg injury during the Battle of Quebec in 1775 that plagued him for the rest of his life. Some accounts suggest that he may have also suffered head trauma during the same battle, which could have contributed to his erratic behavior and decision to abandon the American cause. Nevertheless, Arnold remained a vital military leader throughout much of the revolutionary war, until his betrayal made him one of the most reviled figures in American history.