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MOUNT VERNON — Before Knox County became Knox County, a few things had to happen.
Mount Vernon, after all, was part of Fairfield County. Court business transpired in Lancaster.
But one should remember that in this era, George Washington was a fresh memory, and easily the nation’s most admired man. Mount Vernon itself was named after Washington’s home, Knox County Historical Society Director Jim Gibson said.
Admiration for Washington was so widespread, the newly formed county (established in 1808) was named after one of his most trusted generals and eventual Secretary of War – Henry Knox.
Knox was born in Boston on July 25, 1750 to Mary Campbell Knox and William Knox. He was never a resident of the county named for him. He died in Thomaston, Maine on Oct. 25, 1806.
“Before (Washington) was president, he was fighting the revolution and Henry was one of his major helpers. It’s a really interesting story,” Gibson said.
While growing up, Knox left school at 12 years old to pursue other interests. He showed his independent spirit by opening “The London Book-Store.”
While operating the book store, Knox had plenty of time to read. He fell in love with artillery, and felt his knowledge would help the upcoming war effort led by Washington. He met Washington and shared his knowledge. Washington was transfixed, and gave Knox the title of general.
“When the revolution broke out, (we) actually didn’t have a very good artillery section to our military,” Gibson said. “He went to George and talked to him about it and George was so impressed. He made him a military guy.”
Washington attributed a number of victorious battles to Knox, Gibson said.
“It’s just astonishing when I read about people who (just had) the smallest amount of public education and just taught themselves,” Gibson said.
Washington described Knox as “a man of great military reading, sound judgement and clear conceptions.”
After joining the Continental Army in 1775, Knox was commissioned a colonel and placed in charge of the artillery, according to a biographical summary. He was promoted to major general after the British surrendered at the battle of Yorktown in 1781, and succeeded Washington as General-in-Chief of the Army in 1783.
Knox was appointed Secretary of War under the Articles of Confederation in 1785 and was retained in this position as a member of President Washington’s cabinet.
The Historical Society has an original copy of a letter written by Knox calling for the United States military to use a new type of musket.
Those achievements carved out a niche for Knox that earned him national attention, too. Hence the county found someone to inspire its new name.
“This area wasn’t big enough to be considered to be its own county until they had to get a certain population,” Gibson said. “And Licking County was formed at the same time, so they wanted to name our county after somebody that was friends with George Washington since our town was named after George’s home.”
