New London, Connecticut has resurrected an annual tradition in an effort to remember its painful past and preserve its history. The town gathers every year to burn a life-sized puppet representing Benedict Arnold, America’s most infamous traitor. The event, organized by Flock Theatre, has become a symbolic ritual of triumph and survival, rather than a vengeful act of vengeance.
The tradition dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when New Londoners burned Arnold in effigy on September 6th, the day he raided the town, leaving death and destruction in his wake. The event, held in 2013 to revive interest in local history, now attracts hundreds of participants. The procession is accompanied by the beat of fife and drum, with residents dressed in tricorn hats and carrying mock bayonets and torches, shouting, Burn the traitor!
Benedict Arnold’s name has been associated with treason since he betrayed the American cause during the Revolutionary War. Born in 1741 and rising to the rank of major general, Arnold initially fought against the British. But as the war continued, he began feeding information to the enemy and plotted to surrender West Point in exchange for a bribe. His betrayal deeply affected George Washington and prompted questions about trust within the American ranks.
To honor the complex nature of Benedict Arnold, New London only burns a leg of the puppet, symbolizing the part of him that was wounded while fighting for the Americans. According to Derron Wood, the executive artistic director of Flock Theatre, the ritual both honors and vilifies Arnold, creating a balance between remembrance and condemnation.
During this year’s event, participants tried to imagine the horror and devastation their ancestors must have experienced when Arnold turned against them. The burning of the puppet acts as a cathartic release and a way to commemorate and recognize the suffering of the past.
The tradition in New London has roots that extend beyond Benedict Arnold. Many 18th-century Americans celebrated Guy Fawkes Night, which commemorates Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to blow up the British Houses of Parliament in 1605. However, with the Revolution against the British still fresh, Americans replaced Fawkes with Arnold as their chosen traitor, solidifying their unity.
As the puppet of Arnold burns each year, New London remembers the sacrifices made during the Revolutionary War and celebrates the town’s resilience and continuity. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of history and the powerful impact it has on shaping the present and future.
