Profile of the Day: Benedict Arnold

Do you have ancestors who fought in the American Revolutionary War? On this day in 1741, Benedict Arnold was born.

Image: Benedict Arnold / Library of Congress

Before the war, Arnold was a successful business man. He joined the Continental Army as soon as the war broke out and was distinguished for his bravery and skill as a leader. Despite his successes, Arnold was passed over for promotion several times by the Continental Congress. His growing resentment and debts led him to change his alliance to Britain, who had promised him a large sum of money and a high rank in the British army.

After receiving command of West Point in 1779, Arnold engaged in secret negotiations with the British to surrender the fort in exchange for money and command in the British Army. His plans were thwarted when the plot was discovered in September 1780. Arnold fled to the British lines and for the remainder of the war, served in the British Army.

To this day, Arnold’s name continues to be synonymous with treason and betrayal.