James McHenry
An Irish-born surgeon turned American statesman who signed the U.S. Constitution and lent his name to the fort that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner.
1753–1816 (age 63)·American Founding Father and surgeon·Birthday: November 16
Biography
James McHenry's journey to the heart of the American founding was an immigrant's story. Born in Ulster, he sailed to the colonies as a young man, studying medicine in Philadelphia before the Revolution called. He served as a surgeon on the battlefield and, after a period of captivity, on George Washington's personal staff. This proximity to power steered him toward politics. As a delegate from Maryland to the Constitutional Convention, he was a diligent note-taker more than a fiery orator, and he ultimately added his signature to the founding document. His political career peaked as Secretary of War under presidents Washington and Adams, where he managed the fragile young nation's military affairs during the Quasi-War with France. Though his tenure ended under a cloud of political disagreement with Adams, his administrative mark endured. History remembers him most tangibly through Fort McHenry, the Baltimore fortification named in his honor, whose defense during the War of 1812 provided the spectacle that moved Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.
#1 When James Was Born
The biggest hits of 1753
James's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1753Born
1758Started school
1766Became a teenager
1769Could drive
1771Could vote
1774Turned 21
1783Turned 30
1793Turned 40
1803Turned 50
1813Turned 60
1816Died at 63
Key Achievements
- Signed the United States Constitution as a delegate representing the state of Maryland.
- Served as the third United States Secretary of War, overseeing the early development of the US Army and Navy.
- His name was given to Fort McHenry, whose successful defense in 1814 inspired the writing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
Did You Know?
He was captured by British forces following the Battle of Fort Washington in 1776 and was later exchanged.
He kept a detailed diary during the Constitutional Convention, which remains a valuable historical resource.
A dispute with President John Adams over military appointments led to his forced resignation from the cabinet.
“A government, like a clock, goes from the motion men give it.”
