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Birth
Benedict Arnold is born in Norwich, Connecticut. He is the fourth in a six person dynasty to share the same name. -
Sugar Act & Stamp Act
Arnold settled in New Haven, Connecticut, and soon became a prosperous trader with connections in the West Indies. Like much of the American colonial mercantile community, he was outraged by the new taxes posed by Parliament. Arnold joined the Sons of Liberty, a patriotic secret organization against "taxation without representation." -
Quebec
Arnold is appointed by General George Washington to take a 700 man force through the Canadian wilderness to lead a surprise assault on the fortified city of Quebec. Arnold lead his men valiantly through horrifying and testing conditions, but was stopped short at the well-fortified city of Quebec. He suffered major injuries to his leg. -
Fort Ticonderoga
Arnold, now a militia Captain, volunteered to lead a mission with Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain boys to take New York's Fort Ticonderoga. The fort was very poorly guarded and is taken with very little effort. The large amount of cannons and ammunition stored there was taken by the Continental Army to be used in the siege of Boston, one of their few early-war victories. -
Battle of Valcour Island (Lake Champlain)
After being given command of a small naval force on Lake Champlain, Arnold executes and excellent tactical victory against the far superior British fleet. It grants him brief hero status, but his bold and rash actions made him enemies in several other officers. -
Slighted by Congress
Arnold is passed up by Congress in favor of more junior officers. Arnold is left in bitter resentment, feeling that his honor has been damaged (he felt as if he greatly deserved a promotion). The only reason he stays in the Continental Army is General Washington's personal persuasion. -
Battle of Saratoga
In the turning point of the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold leads a rallying charge that inspires his men to fight, essentially winning the battle. Arnold is not even supposed to be on the field, but he refuses to obey General Horatio Gates' orders, because he thinks he can do better. Even though Arnold is the true victor of the battle, Gates is the one who gains fame, upsetting Arnold further. Arnold is cripplingly injured in the same leg as Quebec. -
Placed in Command of Philadelphia
After finally receiving a well-earned promotion, Arnold is placed in command of Philadelphia while his leg heals. In 1779, he marries Peggy Shippen, the daughter of a loyalist. His social status is greatly promoted. He lives extravagantly, attending many parties with loyalists, landing in extreme debt. In the process, he violates many state and military regulations, gaining the suspicion of Congress. He court-martials himself to clear any suspicion, and receives a light scolding from Washington. -
Meeting with the British
Arnold makes secret meetings and has correspondence with the British. Arnold plans to ask Washington for command of Ft. West Point. He asks the British for £20,000 in exchange for turning traitor and handing over the fort. -
Assumes Command of West Point
Being among Washington's most trusted officers, Arnold asks for command of West Point. Washington unwittingly acquiesces and plans to revisit on a later date. -
Commits Treason
In an attempt to smuggle plans of the fort and letters to the British, Arnold's liaison, John André, is caught and his plans exposed. Arnold learns of the complications and escapes to a British ship just before Washington arrives (who is livid at Arnold). His wife has a (fake?!) mental breakdown in order to feign innocence. -
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Rest of Life
Arnold moves to England in 1781 with his family, to Canada in 1785, and back to England, but is only met with scorn, indifference or burning effigies of himself. The rest of his life is dull and he slowly declines. He dies and is buried in England.
