Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the most important Patriot fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending.
Up until that point, Arnold was considered the best battlefield general on the Patriot side and George Washington considered him a close personal ally.
When looking at reasons for Arnold’s traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich—and the huge impact that had on him—are often overlooked.
Mike Allen specializes in bringing history to life, through his background in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting and public speaking. Mike hosted the podcast Amazing Tales About History for four years, producing more than 200 episodes on Connecticut history. For ten years, Mike was News Director at western Connecticut radio station WRKI-FM before becoming Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury. During a subsequent, 25-year corporate career, he worked and lived internationally, specializing in marketing and communications. Mike has lived in Connecticut for more than 50 years, currently residing in Danbury.
Free for Members, $10 for non-members.