Benedict Arnold's Navy

Benedict Arnold's Navy recounts Arnold's command of American naval forces on Lake Champlain during the Revolutionary War in 1776. The book details the construction and operation of America's first naval fleet, built in challenging conditions to defend against British invasion from Canada. The narrative follows the complex logistics, engineering, and leadership required to create a navy from scratch in the wilderness. Readers learn about the procurement of supplies, recruitment of personnel, and race against time to prepare the fleet before winter arrived. The story tracks Arnold's naval campaign through pivotal engagements with British forces on the lake, focusing on strategy, tactics, and command decisions. Key figures from both sides are featured, including American and British officers who played central roles in the conflict. This military history explores themes of innovation under pressure and the importance of naval power in the early stages of American independence. The book demonstrates how individual leadership and technical ingenuity influenced the broader course of the Revolutionary War.

Readers describe this as a detailed military history focused on Arnold's role in the Lake Champlain campaign rather than his later treason. Many reviewers note the book provides contextual information about 18th-century naval warfare and the strategic importance of Lake Champlain. Positives: - Clear maps and battle descriptions - Research quality and primary sources - Focus on Arnold's tactical abilities - Background on shipbuilding and logistics Negatives: - Too much detail on minor characters for casual readers - Long descriptions of ship specifications - Arnold's personal life receives minimal coverage - Some readers found the writing style dry Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (130 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (55 ratings) Notable review quote: "More about boats and lake logistics than Benedict Arnold himself. Great for naval history buffs but probably too specialized for general readers." - Goodreads reviewer

Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick This narrative chronicles the complex relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold, providing deeper context to Arnold's eventual betrayal of the Continental Army.

Washington's Revolution by Robert Middlekauff This work examines George Washington's transformation of the Continental Army from untrained militia into a professional fighting force during the same period as Arnold's campaigns.

The War for American Independence by Don Higginbotham The book presents a military history of the Revolutionary War with focus on naval operations and the roles of individual commanders in shaping campaign strategies.

Almost a Miracle by John Ferling This military history of the American Revolution includes detailed accounts of the naval battles on Lake Champlain and other waterways that proved crucial to the war's outcome.

Sea of Glory by William H. Whyte This account explores the creation and campaigns of America's first naval force during the Revolutionary War, documenting the contributions of both famous and lesser-known commanders.

🔷 Benedict Arnold's first major contribution to the American Revolution wasn't on land, but on Lake Champlain, where he supervised the construction of America's first naval fleet from scratch in 1776. 🔷 Author John B. Hattendorf is the Ernest J. King Professor Emeritus of Maritime History at the U.S. Naval War College and has written over 40 books on naval and maritime history. 🔷 The book reveals how Arnold's naval battle at Valcour Island, though technically a defeat, successfully delayed British forces long enough to prevent them from reaching Albany in 1776, potentially saving the American Revolution. 🔷 The naval force assembled by Arnold included the galley Congress, which became his flagship, and was built in just 30 days despite severe shortages of materials and skilled workers. 🔷 Before his infamous betrayal, Arnold's innovative naval tactics on Lake Champlain established many of the strategic principles still taught at the U.S. Naval War College today.