What Happened To Benedict Arnold After His Infamous Betrayal?

And why he was so reviled.

(Public domain)

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with treachery and betrayal in the United States. Arnold started as a senior officer for the Continental Army. He was a confidant of George Washington and communicated with the eminent Founding Father regularly. Unfortunately, as the war went on, Arnold found himself feeling disrespected. Arnold watched as multiple younger and rival officers were promoted over him. He felt as though the rebellious United States owed him something that he was not getting, which sowed the seeds of resentment, which would later bear fruit as betrayal.

The turning point came for Arnold when he was injured multiple times during hard fighting. Between 1777 and 1778, Arnold’s leg was mangled not once, but twice. The wounds took their toll on him. The second time his leg was shot through, Arnold allegedly said that he wished the bullet had pierced his chest instead.

After years of campaigning and injuries, Arnold retired to Philadelphia to recuperate. Washington gave him a military governorship in the city, and some have called this the worst decision Washington ever made. Philadelphia was not a unified city in 1778. It was a viper’s nest of money, influence, secrets, and power.