James McHenry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James McHenry
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| 3rd United States Secretary of War | |
| In office January 27, 1796 – May 13, 1800 |
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| President | George Washington (1796-1797) John Adams (1797-1800) |
| Preceded by | Timothy Pickering |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Dexter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 16, 1753 Ballymena, Ulster, Ireland |
| Died | May 3, 1816 Baltimore, Maryland |
James McHenry (born November 16, 1753 – died May 3, 1816) was an important early American leader. He helped create the U.S. Constitution. This document is the main law of the United States.
McHenry was from Maryland. A famous fort, Fort McHenry, is named after him. This fort's defense inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner". This song later became the national anthem of the U.S. McHenry also served in the Continental Congress. He was the third United States Secretary of War under Presidents George Washington and John Adams.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James McHenry was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1753. His family was Presbyterian and of Scots-Irish background. In 1771, his family sent him to North America. They wanted him to get better after studying too much.
Some historians think his family also sent him to check out the colonies. They were thinking about moving there. A year later, his whole family did move. When James arrived, he lived with a family friend in Philadelphia. He then finished his schooling at Newark Academy in Delaware. After that, he went back to Philadelphia. He trained with Benjamin Rush and became a doctor.
McHenry's Career and Public Service
McHenry worked as a skilled doctor during the American Revolutionary War. In 1776, at age 23, he became a surgeon. He worked for the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion at Fort Washington in New York. He was captured in November when the British took the fort. He was set free in January 1777. He was fully released in March 1778.
McHenry impressed George Washington very much. In May 1779, Washington chose him as his secretary and aide. McHenry was with Washington at the Battle of Monmouth. In August 1780, he joined Lafayette's team. He stayed there until he left the army in late 1781.
After the war, McHenry was one of three doctors. They helped write the new Constitution of the United States. This important meeting was called the Constitutional Convention.
In 1796, President Washington made McHenry the United States Secretary of War. In this role, he helped make the United States Army stronger. He organized it into four groups of soldiers, a cavalry unit, and an artillery unit. He is also known for helping to create the United States Department of the Navy.
Later Years and Death
In 1792, McHenry bought a large property of 95 acres. He spent his last years living there. In 1814, he had a stroke. This left him in a lot of pain. He also lost the use of his legs completely. He passed away two years later, in 1816.
Legacy and Honors
James McHenry is remembered for many things:
- He became a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1786. This group promotes useful knowledge.
- He was chosen as president of the Bible Society of Baltimore in 1813.
- He became a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1815. This group collects and preserves American history.
- McHenry is honored at Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
- Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, is named after him.
- Henry Street in Madison, Wisconsin, is also named in his honor.
- The town of McHenry, Maryland, in Garrett County, Maryland, carries his name.
Images for kids
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Grave of James McHenry at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in Baltimore
See also
In Spanish: James McHenry para niños
