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Henry Knox

Background

Henry Knox was a prominent American military officer who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and later served as the first Secretary of War under President George Washington. Known for his leadership, logistical prowess, and contributions to the establishment of the United States military, Knox was instrumental in several key moments of the Revolution. Here is an overview of his life and contributions:

Early Life and Background

1. Birth and Early Life:

   • Henry Knox was born on July 25, 1750, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the seventh of ten children in a modest family. His father abandoned the family when Henry was young, forcing him to leave school at an early age to support his family.
   • Knox apprenticed at a bookstore, where he developed a love for reading, especially books on military science and engineering.

2. Early Career:

   • Knox became a successful bookseller, opening his own shop called the "London Book Store" in Boston. His shop became a meeting place for discussions on politics and the growing tensions between the American colonies and Britain.

Role in the American Revolutionary War

1. Joining the Patriot Cause:

   • Knox joined the Boston Grenadier Corps, a local militia unit, and became actively involved in the early stages of the Revolutionary War. His knowledge of artillery and military science caught the attention of revolutionary leaders.

2. Fort Ticonderoga and the Noble Train of Artillery:

   • In 1775, after the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, Knox proposed retrieving the fort's heavy artillery to use in the siege of Boston. General George Washington approved the plan.
   • Knox led an arduous winter expedition to transport 60 tons of cannons and other artillery over 300 miles from Ticonderoga to Boston, using ox-drawn sleds. This remarkable feat, known as the "Noble Train of Artillery," played a crucial role in forcing the British to evacuate Boston in March 1776.

3. Role in Key Battles:

   • Knox's expertise in artillery was vital in numerous battles throughout the war, including the defense of New York City, the crossing of the Delaware River, and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
   • At the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, Knox's artillery contributed to the decisive American victory that convinced France to ally with the United States.

4. Siege of Yorktown:

   • Knox was instrumental in the successful Siege of Yorktown in 1781, where American and French forces trapped British General Cornwallis's army. Knox's effective placement and use of artillery were key to the eventual British surrender, effectively ending major combat operations in the war.

Post-War Contributions

1. Secretary of War:

   • After the war, Knox was appointed as the first Secretary of War under the Articles of Confederation in 1785, and he continued in this role when George Washington became the first President under the new Constitution in 1789.
   • As Secretary of War, Knox oversaw the creation of a standing army, the establishment of coastal fortifications, and the development of policies related to Native American relations and defense.

2. Legacy and Impact:

   • Knox's vision for a professional military force laid the groundwork for the future United States Army. He advocated for the establishment of West Point, which became the U.S. Military Academy.
   • His efforts in organizing the artillery and logistics during the Revolutionary War demonstrated the importance of military engineering and logistics in warfare.

Later Life and Death

1. Retirement:

   • Knox retired from public service in 1795 and moved to Thomaston, Maine (then part of Massachusetts), where he engaged in various business ventures, including land speculation and shipbuilding.
   • Despite some financial difficulties in his later years, Knox remained a respected figure.

2. Death:

   • Henry Knox died on October 25, 1806, at the age of 56. He was buried in Thomaston, where his contributions are commemorated.

Conclusion

Henry Knox was a key figure in the American Revolutionary War, whose logistical genius and leadership in artillery significantly contributed to the American victory. As the first Secretary of War, he played a foundational role in shaping the early military policies of the United States. Knox's legacy is remembered for his remarkable achievements during the Revolution and his lasting impact on the development of the U.S. military.

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 15

See F. S. Drake, Memoir of General Henry Knox (Boston, 1873); and Noah Brooks, Henry Knox (New York, 1900) in the “ American Men of Energy ” series.