Washington's Generals Lecture Series presents "American Judas: The Rise and Fall of Benedict Arnold." Free Washington’s Generals Lecture Series on September 12, 2026

"Judas sold only one man," Benjamin Franklin wrote to the Marquis de Lafayette. "Arnold three millions."

Before he became America's most infamous traitor, Benedict Arnold was one of Washington's most trusted generals. He was a fearless, aggressive commander whose leadership at Saratoga helped turn the tide of the war. Few officers gave more to the Revolution… and none fell further. Passed over for promotion, haunted by political enemies, and embittered by a country he believed had forgotten him, Arnold made the choice that would earn Franklin's ire, along with that of Washington himself.

This program traces the journey from battlefield hero to American Judas, examining what made Arnold indispensable and what destroyed him. Join us on September 12 at 2:00 PM at the Garst Museum as Cait Clark’s Washington's Generals Lecture Series continues.

The Washington’s Generals Speaker Series is free. Regular museum admission applies to those who wish to tour the museum.