Henry Knox

American general and Secretary of War (1750–1806)

Henry Knox (1750–1806) was a military leader for the Americans during the American Revolutionary War. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, he was appointed Chief Artillery Officer of the Continental Army. He is best known for transporting cannons and other artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston through icy conditions using oxen. Later, George Washington named him the first Secretary of War.

Henry Knox
1st United States Secretary of War
In office
March 8, 1785 – December 31, 1794
PresidentGeorge Washington
Preceded byNone
Succeeded byTimothy Pickering
Personal details
Born(1750-07-25)July 25, 1750
Boston, Massachusetts, British America
DiedOctober 25, 1806(1806-10-25) (aged 56)
near Thomaston, Maine, U.S.
NationalityBritish (at birth)
American (at death)
Spouse(s)Lucy Flucker
ProfessionBookseller, Soldier
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Branch/serviceContinental Army
United States Army
Years of service1775-1784
Rank Colonel 1775-1776
Brigadier General 1776-1781
Major General 1781-1784
CommandsChief of Artillery
Battles/warsAmerican Revolutionary War
Battle of Bunker Hill
Siege of Boston
Battle of Long Island
Battle of Trenton
Battle of the Assunpink Creek
Battle of Princeton
Battle of Brandywine
Battle of Germantown
Battle of Monmouth
Siege of Yorktown

Fort Knox in Kentucky & Maine are named after him.