Origins & Early Life

Benedict Arnold (January 14, 1741 [O.S. January 3, 1740] – June 14, 1801) was an American-born British military officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He fought with distinction for the American Continental Army and rose to the rank of major general before defecting to the British in 1780. General George Washington had given him his fullest trust and had placed him in command of West Point in New York.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Arnold was planning to surrender the fort to British forces, but the plot was discovered in September 1780, whereupon he fled to the British lines. In the later part of the war, Arnold was commissioned as a brigadier general in the British Army and placed in command of the American Legion. He led British forces in battle against the army which he had once commanded, and his name became synonymous with treason and betrayal in the United States. Born in Connecticut, Arnold was a merchant operating ships in the Atlantic when the war began. He joined the growing American army outside of Boston and distinguished himself by acts that demonstrated intelligence and bravery: In 1775, he captured Fort Ticonderoga.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1776, he employed defensive and delaying tactics at the Battle...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Brigham Young — Contemporary (Born in 1801) (1801): Second President of the LDS Church and Governor of Utah Territory.
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• Albert Schweitzer — Shared historical date (01-14 · Born) (1875): German polymath renowned for theology, music, and 'Reverence for Life'
• Alfred Tarski — Shared historical date (01-14 · Born) (1901): Pioneering logician known for model theory and the formal concept of truth.
• Bernard Bosanquet (philosopher) — Shared historical date (06-14 · Born) (1848): Influential English philosopher and political theorist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Burl Ives — Shared historical date (06-14 · Born) (1909): Iconic American folk singer, actor, and voice artist known for Christmas music.
• 1741 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1741
• January 14 (01-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 14
• 1801 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1801
• June 14 (06-14) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 14