James McHenry: Founding Father, Military Surgeon, and Statesman

James McHenry (November 16, 1753 – May 3, 1816) was a Scotch-Irish American military surgeon, statesman, and a Founding Father of the United States. A pivotal figure in early American history, McHenry was a signer of the U.S. Constitution from Maryland, a key advocate for the establishment of the U.S. Navy, and the namesake of Fort McHenry, which later gained fame during the War of 1812. His contributions spanned military service, political leadership, and national defense policy.

Casey Adams

2/2/20253 min read

Early Life and Education

Born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland, McHenry immigrated to North America in 1771 and settled in Philadelphia.

He received a classical education and later studied medicine under the renowned Dr. Benjamin Rush, a fellow Patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

His medical training equipped him with the skills necessary to serve as a military surgeon during the American Revolution.

American Revolutionary War Service

McHenry joined the Continental Army in 1776 and was appointed a surgeon at the age of 23.

He served under General George Washington and later became an aide-de-camp to the Marquis de Lafayette.

His military service solidified his commitment to the Patriot cause and exposed him directly to the challenges of war and national defense.

During the war, McHenry was briefly held as a prisoner of war in 1777 when the British captured him after the fall of Fort Washington.

He was later released in a prisoner exchange, after which he resumed his service to the Continental Army.

Role in the Formation of the United States

After the war, McHenry transitioned into politics. He was elected to the Maryland Senate and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress.

His most significant political contribution came in 1787 when he was chosen as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

As a representative of Maryland, he played a role in shaping the U.S. Constitution and was among its signers.

In 1788, McHenry served as a delegate to the Maryland State Convention, where he advocated for the ratification of the newly drafted Constitution.

His support helped secure Maryland’s approval of the foundational document of the United States.

Secretary of War and Naval Advocacy

In 1796, President George Washington appointed McHenry as the U.S. Secretary of War, a position he held under both Washington and his successor, John Adams.

During his tenure, he worked to strengthen the nation's military infrastructure, reorganizing the War Department and advocating for a more structured standing army.

McHenry was instrumental in recommending the formation of the U.S. Navy, recognizing the need for naval defense in an era of increasing maritime threats.

His advocacy helped lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most formidable naval forces in the world.

However, McHenry’s tenure was not without controversy.

He clashed with President John Adams over military policies, and in 1800, Adams requested his resignation.

McHenry retired from public service and returned to private life in Maryland.

Fort McHenry and Legacy

Perhaps the most enduring tribute to McHenry’s legacy is Fort McHenry, named in his honor.

The fort played a crucial role in the War of 1812 when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor against a British bombardment.

This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem of the United States.

Later Life and Slavery

McHenry spent his later years managing his estate in Maryland.

At the time of his death in 1816, he owned 10 enslaved individuals, reflecting the complexities of the Founding Fathers’ relationships with slavery.

While he expressed reservations about the institution, he did not take significant steps toward abolition.

Conclusion

James McHenry’s contributions to the United States were vast and significant.

As a military surgeon, constitutional delegate, Secretary of War, and advocate for national defense, he played a crucial role in shaping the young nation.

His legacy endures through his written contributions to American governance, his military advocacy, and, most famously, the fort that bears his name, forever linked to American resilience and patriotism.

James McHenry