Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) was an American military general whose name became synonymous with 'traitor.' He entered the ranks of the colonists under Washington during the War of Independence, distinguished himself in several engagements, promoted to the rank of general, and negotiated with the English general Clinton to surrender an important post entrusted to him.

During the American Revolution, he was instrumental, with Ethan Allan, in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga but later planned to betray West Point to the British. He escaped to the English ranks on the discovery of the plot, and served in them against his country. He lived the rest of his life in England and died in 1801 in Britain.