There are many moments in history that capture the imagination. There are many historical figures that stand out. In terms of property management Providence Rhode Island has several historical characters that almost changed Providence property management. Benedict Arnold is one of them. His treason almost turned the fight for independence in favor of the British. His name is synonymous with being a traitor, but the truth is not so black and white. He was a hero before he became a traitor and an argument can be made that because of Arnold that the Colonies defeated England.

Arnold was involved in the first major victory of the colonial war. Fort Ticonderoga in up state New York was occupied by the British. Benedict Arnold asked for and received orders for his militia to attempt to take the fort. They encountered Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys with plans for the same thing. Arnold felt he should lead both companies in battle and felt Allan should follow his plans and command. The Ethan Allens militia refused to be under Arnolds command. They worked out a plan that allowed for the two commanders to attack and capture the fort. The battle for Fort Ticonderoga was about as dramatic as watching a cow at a salt lick. Attempting to get the troops across the river in the earlier hours, Arnold and Allen became aware of the approaching dawn. They decided to attack with only 83 men. They marched right up to the Fort, asked the British to surrender and the battle was over without a shot.

It was at the battle of Saratoga that Arnold may have saved the Colonies. Arnold was a decisive and aggressive leader. He believed in taking risks and reaching for an advantage. At Saratoga, Arnold wanted an aggressive approach, but was held back by the more conservative General Gates. Later Arnold found out that Gates didn’t tell anyone about his part in the first battle of Saratoga. Arnold commanded the left flank where great casualties were inflicted on the British. Benedict Arnold refused to go unrewarded or uncompensated. Gates removed Arnold from command. ignoring the orders of General Gates. Gates had officers go after Arnold with the instruction to get him off the battle field. Prior to his attempted removal, Arnold was storming the British fortification and capturing a part of their defenses. Arnold suffered a major injury as the battle wound down. Ten days latter the British gave up the battle of Saratoga. This victory by the Colonials convinced the French to enter the fray and turn the tide of war in favor of the colonialists.

After five months in the hospital, Arnold was given the Military Governorship of Philadelphia. Arnold had his seniority restored and, though he had been passed over several times, was finally promoted. The congress began to suspect that Arnold was taking advantage of his position and they had conducted several inquiries throughout his career. It was during this time that Arnold began his secret correspondence with the British. For a substantial amount of sterling, 100,000 pounds, and a position as Brigadier General, Arnold was going to turn West Point over to the British.

Arnold’s plan was discovered when his messenger was captured with detailed correspondence in his boots. Arnold ran to the British and tried to explain his behavior in an open letter. After many years, hated at home, un-trusted in Britain, Benedict Arnold perished alone and poor. He was both the champion that saved the colonies and the villain that almost brought them down.

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