The Boot that Shook the Revolutionary World: A Not-So-Great Legacy

Ah, the Revolutionary War: a time of bold leaders, stubborn redcoats, and, let’s not forget, the oddly-shaped boot that symbolizes one of the most dramatic transitions in American military history.

Cue dramatic music as we dive into the story of the Boot Monument in Saratoga National Historical Park—home to the most famous boot since Cinderella’s glass slipper.

Standing tall and proud amid the scenic beauty of New York, this monument pays homage to Major General Benedict Arnold. Yes, THAT Benedict Arnold, the one whose name has been synonymous with treachery since, well, forever. Sculpted by George Edwin Bissell and erected in 1887 by John Watts de Peyster, the monument celebrates Arnold’s military brilliance while, in a classic case of awkward historical revisionism, cleverly choosing to avoid mentioning his later defection to the British side. Apparently, if you can’t say something nice… just leave it out entirely!

Now, Arnold wasn’t just any old soldier; he was “the most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army,” according to the monument. This is quite a feather in the cap for a fellow who, after being shot in the leg at the Battle of Bemis Heights—and let’s not forget, buried under his own horse—decided to take a little detour to become a British major general. Talk about a change in career path! One minute you’re on horseback rallying the troops, and the next, you’re plotting with the enemy while oversight committees and court-martials loom ominously in your rearview mirror.

But why the boot, you ask? Well, dear reader, it appears that in the grand tapestry of heroism, it’s all about the symbolism. Arnold’s left leg is famously known for taking quite a hit, both literally and metaphorically. So, what better way to commemorate this military maverick than by immortalizing his boot in stone? Forget the medals and accolades; let’s just display a boot—an ode to resilience that also doubles as a reminder: if you’re going to betray your country, at least do it with a certain flair!

So this February 15, as we reflect on the stories that have shaped our nation, let’s not just remember the boot, but the boot’s owner. After all, history is a patchwork quilt of glory, failure, and questionable decisions, with Arnold’s very own saga stitched right in. Here’s to the boot—forever enigmatic, forever bemusing—and to the man who wore it quite literally till it hurt. Who knew a sock and some leather could make such a statement?

And there you have it, folks! The story of a monument that’s more about meltdowns than glory—where a boot is all that remains to share a tale filled with battles, betrayal, and a healthy dose of historical irony. Now that’s something worth raising a toast to, or at the very least, giving the boot!

Wikipedia article of the day is “Boot Monument.”