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There are many events in history that capture the imagination. There are many historical figures that stand out. In terms of property management Providence Rhode Island has a couple historical figures that almost changed Providence property management. Benedict Arnold is one such figure. 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 brilliant military leader before he became a traitor and it can be argued that it is because of Arnold that the Colonies defeated England.

Arnold was part of the first successful campaign of the colonial war. Fort Ticonderoga in up state New York was held by the British. Benedict Arnold asked for and received orders for his militia to capture the fort. They met up with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys with plans for the same thing. Arnold felt he should lead both companies in battle and his plan should be followed. The Ethan Allens militia had other ideas. Allen and Arnold worked out a plan that allowed for the two commanders to attack and capture the fort. The campaign for Fort Ticonderoga was about as dramatic as watching a cow at a salt lick. Trying to transport the troops across the river in the earlier hours, Arnold and Allen were fighting the coming light of dawn. Arnold and Allen decided to attack with only 83 men. They marched right up to the Fort, suggested the British should 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 smart and assertive leader. He believed in taking risks and reaching for an advantage. At Saratoga, Arnold wanted an aggressive approach, but was thwarted by the more conservative General Gates. Later Arnold learned that Gates didn’t tell anyone about his part in the first battle of Saratoga. It was under Arnold that great casualties were given to the British. Benedict Arnold refused to go unrewarded or uncompensated. {In the ensuing confrontation|During the confronation between Gates and Arnold,|Gates removed Arnold from command. It was during the second Saratoga battle when Arnold mounted a horse and charged into battle, in open defiance of General Gates. Gates sent officers after Arnold with the instruction to get him off the battle field. Prior to his attempted removal, Arnold was breaking the British line and capturing a part of their defenses. Arnold suffered a major injury as the battle came to a close. After about ten days the British gave up the battle of Saratoga. This victory by the Colonials convinced the French to enter the fray and was instrumental in winning the war.

After five months of convalescence, Arnold was given the Military Governorship of Philadelphia. Arnold had been restored to his seniority and, despite the fact that others were advanced before him, was finally promoted. The congress had come to believe that Arnold was taking advantage of his position and they had investigated him several times already. 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 hero that saved the colonies and the turn coat that almost brought them down.