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On September 25, 1780, Generals George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette traveled toward the Beverly Robinson House, across the Hudson River from West Point, New York. The Robinson House, formerly owned by a British Loyalist, served as the headquarters for Benedict Arnold, the American commander at West Point. Although Major John André had been captured days earlier, exposing Arnold’s treason, Washington and Lafayette remained unaware of the plot. After returning from inspecting West Point’s fortifications, they were informed of the evidence against Arnold. 

Washington ordered Arnold’s immediate arrest, but the effort, led by Colonel Alexander Hamilton, failed to capture him. Washington and Lafayette established their headquarters at the Robinson House, where Washington began refortifying West Point. He discovered that Arnold had intentionally weakened the garrison by sending troops elsewhere under various pretexts. Orders from this period were formally issued from “Headquarters at Robinson’s House.”

Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War . For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.