Source: Atlas Obscura
It is well known that the first universally hated American traitor was Benedict Arnold. In New London, Connecticut, they still hold the grudge to this day, which they demonstrate by burning his two-faced effigy once a year.
Arnold served as a general for the newly formed United States of America and was given control of West Point.
He had a bone to pick with the military as he was passed over for promotions again and again with others taking credit for his accomplishments. He began a secret plot to turn over West Point to the British in exchange for the rank of brigadier general. However, the plan was found out. Arnold fled West Point, but was still accepted into the British army with the rank of brigadier general.One of his campaigns as a turncoat happened to involve the Connecticut town of New London. It was doubly cruel as Arnold was born in Norwich, right next to New London, and his family was well known in the area. On September 6, 1781, Benedict Arnold attacked—as a British…
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