Henry Knox

Date of Birth: July 25, 1750

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 25, 1806

Biography

Henry Knox was an American military officer who played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War and later served as the first United States Secretary of War under President George Washington. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Knox was originally a bookseller who became fascinated with military history and engineering. His knowledge and interest in military tactics led him to join the local militia, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his leadership skills and strategic acumen. Knox’s most notable military achievement was the transportation of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in the winter of 1775-1776, a challenging feat that proved crucial in forcing the British to evacuate the city. Following this success, Knox was appointed Chief of Artillery in the Continental Army, where he played a key role in several major battles, including the Siege of Yorktown. After the war, Knox was a founding member of the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers. He also served as the Secretary of War from 1789 to 1794, during which time he helped to establish the United States Army and Navy, and worked on policies regarding Native American relations and military defenses.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Knox

1. Henry Knox was entirely self-taught in the art of war, gaining most of his knowledge from books he read at his bookstore in Boston.

2. He married Lucy Flucker, the daughter of a prominent Loyalist family, in 1774, which caused a significant strain due to their differing political allegiances.

3. Knox founded the Society of the Cincinnati, which was America’s first veterans’ organization, intended to preserve the ideals and fellowship of the officers of the Revolutionary War.

4. Knox’s heroic feat of transporting 60 tons of artillery over 300 miles from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston is often credited as turning the tide in favor of the American forces early in the Revolutionary War.

5. After his military career, Knox retired to a large estate in Thomaston, Maine, where he engaged in various business ventures, including shipbuilding and farming.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Knox

1. “We want great men who, when fortune frowns, will not be discouraged.”

2. “It is not easy to change the course of a great nation by mere words.”

3. “The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending at all hazards.”

4. “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”

5. “Our countrymen have all the folly of the ass and all the passiveness of the sheep.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Knox’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was known to be quite wealthy after his military service, owning a large estate in Maine and engaging in various successful business ventures.

Children

Henry Knox and his wife Lucy Flucker Knox had thirteen children, although only three survived to adulthood. Their children included: 1. Lucy Knox Thatcher 2. Henry Jackson Knox 3. Caroline Knox