Knox taught himself military science so skillfully that, despite his lack of battlefield experience, Congress appointed him a colonel in charge of the Continental Artillery in 1775. He then proceeded to transform the small artillery into a major force in the Continental Army. Knox's artillery supported the infantry at Trenton and Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. The gunners later displayed their proficiency with siege warfare at Boston and Yorktown. In recognition of his achievements, Congress appointed him a major general in March 1782, retroactive to November 1781. After the war, Knox worked to establish a strong central government and effective military for the emerging United States.
portrait — Henry Knox
Henry Knox
1750–1806 · General
Knox taught himself military science so skillfully that, despite his lack of battlefield experience, Congress appointed him a colonel in charge of the Continental Artillery in 1775. He then proceeded to transform the small artillery into a major force in the Continental Army.