Henry Knox was an American military officer and the first Secretary of War under President George Washington. Born in 1750 in Boston, he became a key figure during the American Revolutionary War, where he played a crucial role in transporting artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in 1775. His successful efforts helped the Continental Army gain a significant advantage against British forces. After the war, Knox served as Secretary of War from 1789 to 1794, where he helped establish the nation's military policies and infrastructure. He was instrumental in shaping the early United States Army and promoting the importance of a strong national defense.