Shaping of America 1783-1815 Biographies | Henry Knox Biography

Born July 25, 1750 (Boston, Massachusetts)

Died October 25, 1806 (Thomaston, Maine)

General, U.S. secretary of war

Known as the father of American army artillery, Henry Knox played a prominent role in most major battles during the American Revolution (1775–83) and became a close adviser and friend to General George Washington (1732–1799; see entry in volume 2) through the war years and during the following early period of the republic. Knox served as secretary of war from 1785 to 1794. He was the only government official to serve in the same capacity in the national government under both the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.

Early interest...