Discussing the Complex Case of Benedict Arnold

His name is synonymous with “traitor.” He was reviled in his lifetime, and his legacy remains the ultimate example of betrayal to our American cause. But did you know that early in the American Revolution, he was hailed as a hero and one of the Continental Army’s most promising officers?

He, of course, is Benedict Arnold, and the early portion of his military career is the subject of a documentary now airing on streaming services such as Amazon, Roku, Prime Video and iTunes. Titled “Benedict Arnold – Hero Betrayed,” the two-hour film, which premiered last November,  stars Peter O’Meara as Arnold and is narrated by Martin Sheen. The documentary uses historian commentary, re-enacted events and compelling narration to illustrate Arnold’s first three years of military success by exploring accomplishments that are little known due to Arnold’s later, more infamous treachery.

I liked the film. While most books and movies focus on the details of Arnold’s act of treachery, few explore the earlier years, when Arnold was hailed as a hero at places like Quebec, Saratoga and Valcour Island. The film introduces us to this “other” Arnold – the man who was effective in battle and who won the support and confidence of his Commander-in-Chief.

I have lived my entire life in New York’s Hudson River Valley, not far from West Point – and so the story of Arnold has been ever present for me. For many years, I commuted past a historical marker aside a local roadway that reads: “Arnold’s Flight. At Beverley Dock, at the foot of this lane, Arnold, exposed as a traitor, fled by boat to the British Ship Vulture, off Croton Point.” Not far away is the site of the Beverly Robinson House, with its marker reading “Here stood the Robinson House, where Benedict Arnold, his treason disclosed, fled from his wife and baby to the British ship Vulture.”

Raising awareness of the men and women who achieved our American independence is the core mission of our National Society. Recognizing those who fought alongside Arnold in these early, strategically important events should be important to us. And learning more about Arnold himself should further increase our appreciation for the true valor and substance of our Patriot ancestors who remained loyal to the very end.