History Happy Hour

This week on History Happy Hour: He was one of America’s very best soldiers – until the moment that he either committed treason or renounced his treason – depending on whether you talk to Rick or Chris!

Arnold managed audacious feats― the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, his Maine mountain expedition to attack Quebec, the famous artillery brawl at Valcour Island, the turning-point battle at Saratoga - that laid the groundwork for our independence. A superb leader, a brilliant tactician, and a supremely courageous military officer, he was also imperfect, disloyal, and is viewed by most Americans as a traitorous villain.

Chris and Rick welcome back author and historian Jack Kelly to talk about this paradoxical and fascinating character. Jack is the author of a new book, God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America's Most Hated Man.

Sunday at 4PM ET on History Happy Hour, where history is always on tap.

Photo credit: Jeff Brouws

Jack Kelly is an award-winning historian and author. He joined us on HHH three years ago to talk about his book Valcour: The 1776 Campaign that Saved the Cause of Liberty.  He also wrote Band of Giants: The Amateur Soldiers Who Won America’s Independence, which received the DAR History Medal. He has appeared on NPR, PBS, and the History Channel, and has written for national publications including the Wall Street Journal. He lives and works in Hudson Valley, New York.