In May 1780, after securing the crucial Southern port city of Charleston, British General Clinton led part of his victorious army back to New York, aiming to cut off the critical Hudson River valley from New England. To control the river, they would have to capture several key forts, and the most vital of these was West Point. Washington was deeply concerned about West Point and knew he had to place a loyal and capable general in charge. The man chosen for this monumental task was Benedict Arnold.

Arnold’s journey from Saratoga to West Point was far from easy. Three years earlier, he had been gravely wounded during the Battle of Saratoga, his left leg nearly amputated. Though he survived, the injury left him with a limp—his left leg being 1.5 inches shorter than the right. Despite his physical limitation, Arnold had become one of Washington’s most trusted generals. Washington’s faith in Arnold was evident when, in 1778, amidst political and logistical chaos in Philadelphia, Washington appointed Arnold as the city’s highest military commander.

While Arnold was a brilliant military strategist, his arrogance and greed became his undoing. In Philadelphia, he had seized property from loyalist merchants in the name of the revolution, enriching himself in the process. His extravagant lifestyle raised eyebrows, especially since his salary hardly matched his lavish expenses. His enemies, particularly Pennsylvania’s wartime governor, Joseph Reed, took note, compiling evidence of Arnold’s corruption and publicly denouncing him.

As Arnold’s wealth and status grew, so did his personal troubles. After the death of his first wife, Arnold married Peggy Shippen, an 18-year-old from a loyalist family. Peggy, accustomed to luxury and influence, pushed Arnold deeper into debt with her extravagant demands. At the same time, political enemies, led by Reed, continued to pressure Arnold, even forcing him to stand trial for his actions in Philadelphia. Although Arnold successfully defended himself, the case tarnished his reputation, and old accusations from his time in Montreal resurfaced. Arnold was gradually being cornered by both his enemies and the system he once fought for.

Despite his growing troubles, Arnold remained loyal to Washington, who, despite the political pressure, continued to defend him. But the tides turned in 1780. Washington, under pressure from Reed, was forced to issue a public rebuke of Arnold’s actions. This betrayal by his closest ally was the final blow for Arnold. Disillusioned by his treatment and the grim prospects of the revolution, Arnold made a fateful decision. He began secretly negotiating with the British.

In August 1780, Arnold offered to hand over West Point to the British in exchange for £20,000 (roughly $1.1 million in today’s money). The British accepted, and Arnold set the stage for what could have been a devastating blow to the American cause. However, things began to unravel.

In September, as Washington traveled to West Point to inspect defenses, Arnold’s treasonous plans were uncovered. British spy Major John André, carrying critical intelligence from Arnold, was captured by American troops. Among his possessions were detailed maps and plans for the British attack on West Point, implicating Arnold in the conspiracy.

When Washington arrived at West Point, he was shocked to find that Arnold was missing. His absence, combined with the disarray in the fort’s defenses, immediately raised suspicion. Washington, devastated by the betrayal, realized that Arnold had defected to the British, leaving behind a trail of documents that confirmed his treason. The discovery shattered Washington, who later said, “Arnold has betrayed us; who can we trust now?”

In the aftermath, Arnold fled to the British, and West Point was saved, but his legacy would forever be marked by this act of betrayal. The name “Arnold’s Fortress” was soon changed to “Clinton’s Fortress” in honor of the New York governor. West Point itself would later become the site of the U.S. Military Academy, solidifying its place in American history.

The Lasting Legacy of Benedict Arnold’s Treason

Benedict Arnold’s defection remains one of the most infamous acts of betrayal in American history. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, greed, and disillusionment. Today, Arnold’s name is synonymous with treason, a term often used in political discourse to describe acts of betrayal against one’s own country. Ironically, the site of his greatest act of treason, West Point, would go on to become the foundation of the U.S. military leadership, a symbol of loyalty and dedication to the country Arnold once fought for.

In modern times, Arnold’s story continues to captivate audiences, reminding us of the complex motivations behind historical betrayals. It also raises questions about loyalty, ambition, and the costs of personal failure on a larger, national scale.