“Treason of the blackest dye was yesterday discovered” were the bold words used in the General Orders from George Washington’s office on the 26th of September 1780. This damning phrase described Benedict Arnold’s treachery in secretly negotiating to surrender West Point to the British
The series of events that led to the discovery of Arnold’s treason and the execution of Major John André is explored in RW250’s exhibit “Treason of the Blackest Dye: The True Story of Arnold, André, and Three Honest Militiamen,” on view simultaneously at the United States Military Academy Library at West Point and Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in Yonkers starting July 1, 2025.
“After 250 years people are still riveted by Benedict Arnold’s treason. Novels, movies and television series have distorted the story to the point of even inverting hero and villain,” said historian Char Weigel, who worked with primary sources to create the exhibit and educational brochure. “We thought the 250th Commemoration was the perfect time to re-engage people with the true story.”
You can read about Weigel’s exciting discoveries of new historical context on the double agents that Arnold was revealing in the “Boot Papers” that he gave to André in New York Archives Magazine. She also presented her findings in the New York State Archives Online Speaker Series.
Weigel praised her colleague, Marc Cheshire, for his graphic design on the panels for the original exhibit and now on display at the new locations
Last year, over 9,000 visitors and over 850 students viewed the exhibit at The Pocantico Center of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. “We’re delighted that the exhibit is being shown at two additional institutions, exposing an even wider audience to the true story of Arnold and André,” said Constance Kehoe, President of RW250.
United States Military Academy Library, Jefferson Hall, is accessible to the public on July 4ththrough the Visitor Control Center.
Manor Hall State Historic Site, Gothic Chamber, is open to the public during regular museum hours. Admission charged. Information.
