Henry Knox 1750 – 1806

Biography

Henry Knox was born on July 25, 1750, in Boston, Massachusetts, during a transformative period in American history. Rising from modest beginnings, Knox would become one of the nation’s most distinguished military leaders and trusted advisors to the early republic. His life spanned the critical decades of American independence and the establishment of a new nation.

Knox served with distinction as an American general, earning recognition for his military leadership during the Revolutionary War and beyond. Beyond his military achievements, he held the significant position of Secretary of War, where he shaped the defense policies and military infrastructure of the young United States. His contributions during these formative years helped establish precedents for the nation’s military organization and governance.

On October 21, 1806, Knox passed away in Augusta, though the specific circumstances surrounding his death were not recorded. His final resting place was Thomaston Village Cemetery in Thomaston, where he was laid to rest. Knox’s legacy endured as a foundational figure in American military and political history, remembered for his dedication to the fledgling nation during its most crucial years.