The Strange Salute of the Shiny-Booted Sentinel: A Yarn of Momentousness – The

In Saratoga National Historical Park, New York, stands the Boot Monument, bowing a Left-footed gesture to America's most surprising General – Benedict Arnold. But there's more to this peculiar statue than meets the eye. Commissioned in 1887 as a tribute to Arnold's service during the American Revolutionary War's Battles of Saratoga, the statue has been a subject of discussion and enigma for over a century. It's no surprise given this General's vibrant history.

Born in Norwich, Connecticut, Arnold enlisted in the Continental Army in 1775, quickly ascending the ranks to a major general. However, his military career took a quirkier turn during the Battles of Saratoga, two pivotal encounters of the American Revolutionary War that unfolded near Saratoga, New York. The role Arnold played at the first battle, the Battle of Freeman's Farm, is a topic of debate. During the second conflict, the Battle of Bemis Heights on October 7, 1777, Arnold was unexpectedly back in the fray, even after disagreements between him and Major General Horatio Gates led to Arnold's command being reassigned to Major General Benjamin Lincoln.

Gates had tried to send Arnold back to camp, but his orders hadn't reached Arnold until the battle had ended. Arnold led the American Continental Army in capturing a redoubt commanded by Lord Balcarres. After the battle, Arnold's left leg and horse were hit. When the horse fell, Arnold's leg shattered. Arnold declined to amputate his leg and opted for a botched set instead. Matters reached a head in 1780, when Arnold was tricked by British Major John André into disclosing military secrets, including plans to assault West Point.

Arnold was apprehended, tried for treason, and narrowly escaped the death penalty. But it was not the end of Arnold's story. A group of forward-thinking townsfolk erected the Boot Monument as a homage to Arnold's service in the late 19th century. The statue's name and Arnold's were never spoken – due to Arnold's disloyal past. The inscription merely reads 'erected 1887 by John Watts de Peyster. The statue showcases a howitzer barrel, a riding boot, a two-star epaulette, a laurel wreath, and is pointed downwards, gazing upon the battlefield.

The statue's toe was pilfered by college lads and rediscovered in 1931. It was restored, with assistance from Adolph S. Ochs, but its location has been disputed, with some claiming it was moved in 1972 and others in 1975. And the Boot Monument is not the sole statue in the United States praising Arnold – it was the only one in Saratoga National Historical Park without the name of its honoree until 2021 when it was christened 'The Benedict Arnold Boot Monument'.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons