Who was appointed as the first Secretary of War in the United States?

The first Secretary of War in the United States was Henry Knox. Appointed by President George Washington in 1789, Knox played a critical role in the early military development of the nation following the Revolutionary War. He was responsible for overseeing the nation's military affairs and managing the construction of fortifications and the procurement of supplies for the army. Knox’s background as a bookseller and his experience as a Continental Army general contributed to his appointment, as he had significant knowledge of military matters and logistics. His work established foundational practices for the Department of War, contributing to the organization and professionalization of the U.S. military in its formative years.