Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor (2003) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Washington's recommendation for Arnold's promotion

   In a letter to the Continental Congress, George Washington extols Benedict Arnold’s daring feats. He highlights the invasion of Canada through the Maine wilderness and compares it to Hannibal crossing the Alps. Washington notes that Arnold was wounded at the Battle of Quebec and praises his boldness as a key Patriot asset.

   When

   1775-1776

   Where

   Continental Congress / Maine wilderness to Canada

2. 2

   Arnold's Valcour Island action and its impact

   Washington recalls Arnold’s bold action at Valcour Island, where he stalled a northern British invasion despite losing most of his ships. The engagement demonstrated Arnold’s resilience and tactical nerve under pressure. The episode solidifies the view of Arnold as a pivotal war leader.

   When

   1776

   Where

   Valcour Island, Lake Champlain

3. 3

   Saratoga: Arnold defies Gates and triumphs

   At Saratoga, Horatio Gates tries to force a retreat and restructure command, but Arnold asserts joint leadership and refuses to bow to the order. He fights through a leg wound to secure a decisive victory as Burgoyne surrenders. The success cements Arnold’s status, even as political credit becomes contested.

   When

   1777

   Where

   Saratoga, New York

4. 4

   Recovery after Saratoga and political limbo

   After Saratoga, Arnold endures a painful period of recovery while Gates shifts toward the Southern Army’s command. Washington and Congress still rely on him, yet opportunities for advancement are mired in politics. He returns home to wait out the shifting leadership landscape.

   When

   1777-1778

   Where

   Continental United States

5. 5

   Valley Forge summons and Major General appointment

   Months later, Arnold is summoned to Valley Forge where Washington restores him to active duty as a ranking Major General. He resumes his place in the Continental Army’s leadership and begins coordinating with key officers.

   When

   Winter 1777-1778

   Where

   Valley Forge

6. 6

   Arnold governs Philadelphia and forges alliances

   Back in Philadelphia, Arnold is appointed Military Governor with Major David Franks as his aide-de-camp. He faces intimidation from local authorities but earns the respect of the militia through firm action. He negotiates wagons and supplies and hosts a lavish party that underscores Philadelphia’s evolving energy.

   When

   1778-1779

   Where

   Philadelphia

7. 7

   Court-martial tension and Arnold's defense

   Judge Shippen voices deep skepticism about Arnold’s Puritan background and business ties and calls for a court-martial to clear his name. Arnold travels to Washington to demand a fair hearing and rebuke accusations of war profiteering. The confrontation widens the rift between his reputation and the Continental leadership.

   When

   1779-1780

   Where

   Philadelphia / Washington, D.C.

8. 8

   Marriage and mounting backlash at Mount Pleasant

   Arnold marries Peggy Shippen, but a Mount Pleasant mob shadows their union, angry at his rapid rise. He dispatches Major Franks to bring Continental soldiers to guard his home and family, including his sister and children. Washington’s refusal to send troops and the bill for wagons illustrate the political sting of his sacrifices.

   When

   Late 1770s

   Where

   Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania

9. 9

   Peggy nudges defection and André involvement

   Peggy urges Arnold toward defecting to the British and reaches out to John André to test his loyalty. André promises to relay Arnold’s terms and pursue the capture of West Point as proof of fidelity. The plot blends personal ambition with national crisis.

   When

   Late 1780

   Where

   Philadelphia / West Point vicinity

10. 10

    Washington rebukes Arnold and trust erodes

    Washington rebukes Arnold for war profiteering as trust frays and the West Point scheme tightens its grip. Arnold finds himself increasingly isolated from Continental leadership as the conspiracy looms larger. The growing rift foreshadows a fateful choice.

    When

    1780

    Where

    Philadelphia / Continental Army

11. 11

    A path to power: command offered, then accepted

    Washington offers Arnold command of the Left Wing of the Main Continental Army if he returns to active service, and Arnold accepts amid Peggy’s push that Congress does not value his sacrifices. The deal signals a potential path back to power and influence.

    When

    1780-1781

    Where

    Philadelphia / Continental Army

12. 12

    Near West Point: the plot thickens

    Six months later, Arnold and Peggy live near West Point with their infant son Edward. Arnold meets with Joshua Smith, who arranges for André to meet aboard HMS Vulture to seal the plan. Peggy warns of danger as André arrives to finalize the operation.

    When

    1780-1781

    Where

    West Point, New York

13. 13

    The capture plot unravels

    André lands and is seized by local authorities; Jameson carries news of Anderson’s capture back to Washington. The conspirators—Franks, Smith, and Calhoon—are arrested as defenses are hurriedly reorganized. The West Point plot begins collapsing under the strain of betrayal.

    When

    1780-1781

    Where

    West Point vicinity / Hudson River

14. 14

    André's execution ends the conspiracy

    Arnold meets André as part of the plan, but Sir Henry Clinton refuses to surrender a deserter. Arnold’s defiant retort underscores his inner conflict, and André is executed by hanging, bringing the conspiracy to a brutal close. The treason narrative permanently reshapes Arnold’s legacy.

    When

    1780-1781

    Where

    HMS Vulture / West Point vicinity

15. 15

    Exile, realization, and a sparse memorial

    Eighteen years after the West Point affair, Arnold and Peggy live in the United Kingdom, facing exile and infamy. He confronts the reality that his name will be forever etched as one of the Revolution’s traitors. The epilogue notes his death three years later and marks Saratoga with a sparse tribute monument.

    When

    Circa 1798-1801

    Where

    United Kingdom; Saratoga (New York)