On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold committed treason. Arnold met with British Major John Andre to finalize details of handing over West Point to the British in return for a large sum of money and an esteemed position in the British army. His plans were discovered and the former American hero defined what an American traitor was for every generation to come.
Benedict Arnold was given command of West Point and, on September 21, he met with Major John Andre and sealed his traitorous pact. The plot was uncovered and Andre was captured and executed. Arnold safely fled to the British side and led British troops in Virginia and Connecticut. Never having served punishment for his traitorous act, he retired in London and died on June 14, 1801.
Other events on this day in history:
- Spaniards capture Baton Rouge in 1779.
- FDR urges repeal of Neutrality Act embargo provisions in 1939.
- First daily newspaper in America is printed (Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser) in 1784.
- “Star Spangled Banner” was published as a poem in 1814.
- United States performs nuclear test at Nevada test site in 1967.
2,022.9 miles to go.
