The 'Hero of Kittanning' - John Armstrong, Sr.
Updated 8/10/21
John Armstrong, Sr. was a friend of General Washington whose engineering background and military experience played a large role in supporting the Continental Army.
John Armstrong, Sr.
John Armstrong was sent to America as a young man to work as an engineer for the colony of Pennsylvania. He surveyed large portions of the state and laid out the town of Carlisle.
Soon after, Armstrong served in the French an Indian war.
He established a reputation for himself during the Kittanning Expedition (aka the Armstrong Expedition). The attack led to the burning of the Native American village of Kittanning and, though the residents claimed it was a massacre, John earned the nickname ‘Hero of Kittanning.
He then joined the Forbes Expedition where he became friendly with a young George Washington.
Major General
In the early stages of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress realized they would need to fight in the southern colonies soon. To this end, they appointed John Armstrong as a Brigadier General and sent him to Charleston, South Carolina.
While in Charleston, Armstrong used his knowledge of engineering to properly fortify the city. A few months later, these fortifications would assist the Americans in repelling the British at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.
Armstrong soon returned to Pennsylvania where he was named Major General of the Pennsylvania Militia. He resigned his commission from the Continental Army to take this position which placed him in command of all militia forces in the State.
Success in the Field
Serving in the State Militia did not end John Armstrong’s association with the Continental Army.
At the Battle of Brandywine, for instance, Armstrong and his men guarded Washington’s left side. Additionally, they oversaw the protection of the Army’s supplies. After the Americans retreated, Armstrong’s men evacuated the supplies in the dark.
Days later Armstrong participated in the Battle of Germantown. While this battle is known for having some mishaps on the part of the Patriots, John carried out his part of the attack as planned.
Shortly thereafter, nearly 60 years old and suffering from ill health, Armstrong resigned his command.
Although he retired to Carlisle, his community sent him as a delegate to the Continental Congress twice. This includes the final session of Congress where he helped transition to the new government under the Constitution.
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