James McHenry

American politician (1753-1816)

James McHenry (November 16, 1753 – May 3, 1816) was an early American statesman. McHenry was a signer of the United States Constitution. He was from Maryland. Fort McHenry was named for him. He was also a delegate to the Continental Congress from Maryland, and the third United States Secretary of War from January 27, 1796 to May 13, 1800, under Presidents George Washington and John Adams.

James McHenry
3rd United States Secretary of War
In office
January 27, 1796 – May 13, 1800
PresidentGeorge Washington (1796-1797)
John Adams (1797-1800)
Preceded byTimothy Pickering
Succeeded bySamuel Dexter
Personal details
BornNovember 16, 1753
Ballymena, Ulster, Ireland
DiedMay 3, 1816
Baltimore, Maryland