Anthony Wayne was an American soldier, officer, statesman, and a Founding Father of the United States. He adopted a military career at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, where his military exploits and fiery personality quickly earned him a promotion to brigadier general and the nickname "Mad Anthony". He later served as the Senior Officer of the Army on the Ohio Country frontier and led the Legion of the United States.
Portrait by Edward Savage, c. 1795
A statue of General Wayne at Freimann Square in Fort Wayne
A 1780 letter from Wayne to Israel Shreve
Statue of Wayne at Valley Forge, facing toward his home in nearby Paoli, Pennsylvania
Commanding General of the United States Army
The Commanding General of the United States Army was the title given to the service chief and highest-ranking officer of the United States Army, prior to the establishment of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army in 1903. During the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), the title was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. In 1783, the title was simplified to Senior Officer of the United States Army. In 1821, the title was changed to Commanding General of the United States Army. The office was often referred to by various other titles, such as "Major General Commanding the Army" or "General-in-Chief".
Commanding General of the United States Army
Image: Portrait of George Washington
Image: Henry Knox by Gilbert Stuart 1806, detail
Image: John Doughty