Encyclopedia · People, inventors, and ordnance officers

Henry Knox

Henry Knox (1750-1806) commanded the artillery of the Continental Army in the Revolution, brought the guns of Ticonderoga to Boston, and became the first United States Secretary of War.

Also known as: General Henry Knox.

Born1750
Died1806
RoleChief of artillery, Continental Army
LaterFirst United States Secretary of War

Founder of American artillery

Henry Knox rose from a Boston bookseller to become the chief of artillery of the Continental Army. In the winter of 1775-1776 he brought the captured guns of Fort Ticonderoga overland to Boston, and he commanded the army's artillery through the war to the bombardment at Yorktown.

After the Revolution he became the first Secretary of War of the United States, and he is regarded as a founder of the American artillery arm.

On this site

Sources & further reading

← Back to the Encyclopedia