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Nathanael Greene

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Nathanael Greene was a key leader during the American Revolutionary War.

Nathanael Greene by C.W. Peale
Nathanael Greene by C.W. Peale

He was a general in the Continental Army. This was the army that fought for American independence. He worked very closely with George Washington. Washington trusted him to handle many hard jobs. Greene became known as a very talented and dependable officer. His work helped the colonies win their freedom.

Washington Green2 Army Issue 1937-1c
Washington Green2 Army Issue 1937-1c

Greene was born in 1742 in Warwick, Rhode Island. His family were Quakers who were successful merchants and farmers.

Coat of Arms of Nathaniel Greene
Coat of Arms of Nathaniel Greene

His father did not want him to focus on books or dancing. However, Greene convinced his father to hire a tutor for him. He studied math, law, and the classics. He also read many books about history. A small limp stayed with him for his whole life. He later managed a family foundry in Coventry.

When the war began in 1775, Greene joined the fight. He first helped lead a local group called the Kentish Guards. Soon, he became a general in the Continental Army. He fought in many different places like Boston and New York.

Battle of Fort Washington, 1776
Battle of Fort Washington, 1776

In 1778, he became the quartermaster general. This was a big job that meant finding supplies for the soldiers. He organized thousands of people to help move food and gear. This helped keep the army ready to fight.

In 1780, Washington gave Greene a very important command. He was sent to lead the army in the South. Greene fought in Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina.

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

He used a way of fighting called guerrilla warfare. This used small groups to fight a much larger British force. He faced defeats at places like Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs. Still, his actions made the British lose control of the South. The fighting ended after the British surrendered at Yorktown in 1781.

After the war ended, Greene moved to Georgia. He tried to run a large plantation with rice crops. Unfortunately, most of his crops were a failure. He died in 1786 at the Mulberry Grove Plantation.

Monument to General Nathanael Greene Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Monument to General Nathanael Greene Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

Even though his farm did not work well, his name lived on. Many places in the United States are named after him today. You might see his name on statues or even streets.

Nathanael Greene Statue at RI State House
Nathanael Greene Statue at RI State House
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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Coat of Arms of Nathaniel Greene.svg
Coat of Arms of Nathaniel Greene.svg
File:Nathanael Greene by C.W. Peale.jpg
Nathanael Greene by C.W. Peale.jpg
File:Battle of Fort Washington, 1776.svg
Battle of Fort Washington, 1776.svg
File:Washington Green2 Army Issue 1937-1c.jpg
Washington Green2 Army Issue 1937-1c.jpg
File:Revolutionary War - Major Operations in the South 1781.Dean.USMA.edu.history.gif
Revolutionary War - Major Operations in...
File:Monument to General Nathanael Greene Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.JPG
Monument to General Nathanael Greene...
File:Nathanael Greene Statue at RI State House.jpg
Nathanael Greene Statue at RI State House.jpg
File:NathanGreene Monument.JPG
NathanGreene Monument.JPG
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