Before Benedict Arnold became synonymous with treason, he was one of the American Revolution’s boldest field commanders. His 1775 expedition to Quebec was among the most difficult campaigns of the war.
The march through Maine
Arnold led roughly 1,100 men through the wilderness of present-day Maine toward Quebec. Bad maps, damaged supplies, hunger and severe weather reduced the force dramatically before it reached the St. Lawrence.
Joining Richard Montgomery
General Richard Montgomery approached from the Montreal direction after American forces captured that city. He and Arnold combined their forces outside Quebec City late in 1775.
The attack on December 31, 1775
During a snowstorm, the Americans attacked Lower Town from two directions. Montgomery was killed early in the assault. Arnold was wounded in the leg, and his column ultimately failed to break through the city’s defenses.
The siege continued after the battle
The failed assault did not immediately end the American presence. The remaining forces continued to blockade and besiege Quebec through the winter. British reinforcements arrived in early May 1776, forcing the Americans to withdraw.
Arnold’s later betrayal was separate
Arnold continued fighting for the American cause for several years after Quebec. His secret negotiations with the British and attempted surrender of West Point came in 1780, long after the Quebec campaign.
Parks Canada documents the 1775–1776 siege in its history of the Fortifications of Québec.