On This Day: Benedict Arnold

When the Revolutionary War began, Benedict Arnold joined the Continental Army and served under George Washington. As the war continued, Arnold became increasingly dissatisfied. On September 21, 1780, he met with British Major John Andre to sell secrets about West Point, a key American fort in N.Y., to the British in exchange for a command in the British army and financial compensation. The plot was foiled, Andre was captured and Arnold escaped to British lines.