Who established the Continental Army's early ordnance organization and artillery support?

• A. Henry Knox
• B. George Washington
• C. Nathanael Greene
• D. Benjamin Franklin

Answer: (A)

Henry Knox built and organized the Continental Army’s artillery arm, turning scattered cannon, crews, and logistics into a coherent ordnance structure that could support battlefield operations. Appointed to lead the artillery in 1775, he established the cadre of gunners, standardized equipment and carriages, and created the supply and training systems needed to keep guns in action. His most famous achievement was coordinating the transport of heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, then using that artillery to fortify Dorchester Heights and compel the British evacuation. This work laid the foundation for how artillery would be integrated into the army’s plans and operations. Washington led and relied on that artillery, but Knox was the one who created and organized it; Greene and Franklin contributed in other roles and did not establish the ordnance organization.