October 13, 1717 – March 9, 1795
As a member of the Continental Congress both before and after the Revolutionary War, Major General John Armstrong, Senior was deeply involved in the political backbone of the birth of America. Armstrong gained his military reputation during the French and Indian War, where he gained the nickname “Hero of Kittanning” and established his reputation as a strategic leader. He served in the Pennsylvania militia until March 1, 1776, when the Continental Congress appointed him Brigadier General in the Continental Army. He was tasked with the early defense of Charleston, South Carolina against British forces. Armstrong and his soldiers were successful, securing the southern flank early in the war. The troops he commanded later provided essential support during the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. Armstrong’s military leadership influenced early American defense strategy, and his steadfast leadership shaped the Revolutionary cause in Pennsylvania and other frontier colonies.