Nathanael Greene

Coat of Arms of Nathaniel Greene

Nathanael Greene by C.W. Peale

Battle of Fort Washington, 1776

Washington Green2 Army Issue 1937-1c

Revolutionary War - Major Operations in the South 1781.Dean.USMA.edu.history

Nathanael Greene (August 7, 1742 – June 19, 1786) was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Greene was known for his successful command in the Southern Campaign, forcing British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis to abandon the Carolinas and head to Virginia. His strategic methods of warfare are credited with significantly contributing to the eventual American victory in the Revolutionary War.

Early Life

Nathanael Greene was born in Potowomut in the Rhode Island colony to a Quaker family. Despite his limited formal education, Greene pursued self-education, showing a keen interest in military science. He was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment thinkers of his time.

Military Career

Greene was initially a militia private, the lowest rank possible, but he quickly rose through the ranks due to his natural leadership skills and understanding of military strategy. In 1775, after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, he was promoted to brigadier general of the Rhode Island Army of Observation. By June 1775, he was commissioned a brigadier general in the Continental Army.

Greene served under General George Washington and was entrusted with commands in several critical battles, including the Siege of Boston, the Battle of Trenton, and the Battle of Princeton. Despite facing challenges such as scarce resources and a lack of formal military training, Greene's innovative strategies were instrumental in the American fight for independence.

Southern Campaign

Perhaps Greene's most notable contribution came during the Southern Campaign. After the American defeat at the Battle of Camden, Greene was appointed commander of the Southern Department. He took command in December 1780, at a time when the American military situation in the South was bleak.

Greene decided to split his army, sending a portion under the command of Daniel Morgan to harass enemy outposts, a move that culminated in the significant victory at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. Following this, Greene led a strategic retreat across North Carolina, drawing the British away from their supply lines in a campaign known as the "Race to the Dan."

Greene's tactics of attrition, guerrilla warfare, and strategic positioning exhausted the British forces, leading to a weakened British presence in the Carolinas. This set the stage for the eventual American victory at the Siege of Yorktown and the conclusion of the war.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Greene settled in Georgia on a plantation he was awarded for his service. He died at the age of 43, on June 19, 1786, from sunstroke. Greene is remembered as one of the most competent and strategic commanders of the Continental Army. His contributions to the American Revolutionary War were crucial in the eventual success of the American cause.

Greene's legacy is honored with numerous monuments, and places named after him, including Greene County in several states. His strategic genius and leadership during the Southern Campaign are particularly noted for their significant impact on the outcome of the American Revolutionary War.