Politics & World • Military Figure

Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold was an American Revolutionary War military officer who first served the Continental Army and later defected to the British side.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Benedict Arnold was an American Revolutionary War military officer who first served the Continental Army and later defected to the British side. He is remembered in the United States as a symbol of betrayal, especially for his role in the attempted surrender of West Point.

Early life and career

Born in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741, Arnold worked as a merchant and ship operator before the American Revolution. He had prior militia experience and later joined the Patriot military effort.

Service in the American Revolution

Arnold earned a reputation as a capable and aggressive officer in the Continental Army. He gained prominence through actions including the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and service at Saratoga.

Defection to Britain

Frustrated by disputes, promotions, and investigations, Arnold became disaffected with the Patriot cause and began corresponding with the British. In 1780 he was involved in a plan to surrender West Point to the British, which was discovered before it succeeded. He then fled to British lines.

Later life and legacy

After his defection, Arnold served in the British Army and led British forces in raids, including the attack on New London, Connecticut. He later lived in Britain and pursued business ventures, including land speculation in Canada. His name became synonymous with treason and betrayal in the United States.

Key facts

Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1741 and worked as a merchant before the American Revolution.
He gained prominence in the Continental Army through actions including the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and service at Saratoga.
He became disaffected with the Patriot cause and began corresponding with the British.
In 1780 he was involved in a plan to surrender West Point to the British, which was discovered before it succeeded.
His name became synonymous with treason and betrayal in the United States.

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Canadian context

Arnold later pursued business ventures, including land speculation in Canada, after his service in the American Revolutionary War.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Benedict Arnold?

He was an American Revolutionary War officer who served first with the Continental Army and later defected to the British side.

Why is Benedict Arnold famous?

He is famous for his military service early in the Revolution and for his later betrayal of the Patriot cause, especially the West Point plot.

What did Benedict Arnold do at West Point?

He helped plan the surrender of West Point to the British in 1780, but the plot was discovered before it succeeded.

What happened to Benedict Arnold after he defected?

He joined the British Army, led British operations, and later lived in England, where he died in 1801.

Is Benedict Arnold considered a traitor?

Yes. In American historical memory, his name became a byword for treason and betrayal.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benedict-Arnold
Supports: Birth, death, Revolutionary War service, defection to Britain, West Point plot, and later life.
National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/people/benedict-arnold.htm
Supports: Birth and death details, burial information, and status as the only man to serve as a general on both sides of the American Revolutionary War.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Arnold
Supports: Early life, Fort Ticonderoga, British commission, and the association of his name with treason.
Mount Vernon — https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/benedict-arnold
Supports: Service in the Continental Army, later work for the British, and the enduring legacy of betrayal.