{{Short description|American patriot (1740–1776)}} {{For|the botanist|Thomas Knowlton (botanist)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox spy | honorific_prefix = | name = Thomas Knowlton | honorific_suffix = | nickname = Father of American Military Intelligence Connecticut's Forgotten Hero The Gallant and Brave Fearless Ranger | image = Thomas Knowlton (The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill cropped).jpg | caption = Detail from ''The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775'' (1786) depicting Knowlton | allegiance = United States | service_branch = | service_years = French and Indian War (1755–1762) American Revolutionary War (1775–1776) | rank = Lieutenant Colonel | operation = | award = | code_name1 = | code_name2 = | code_name3 = | birth_name = | birth_date = November 22, 1740<!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Birth-date and age|Month DD, YYYY}} --> | birth_place = West Boxford, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America | death_date = {{death-date and age|16 September 1776|22 November 1740}} <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} or {{Death-date and age|Month DD, YYYY|Month DD, YYYY}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_place = New York City, US | death_cause = Killed in action | burial_place = | religion = | residence = | spouse = Anna Keyes (m. 1759–1776) | children = 3 sons, 6 daughters | occupation = Farmer and soldier | alma_mater = | signature = Thomas Knowltons signature.jpg }} {{Infobox military person | battles = American Revolutionary War *Massachusetts campaign **Siege of Boston ***Battle of Bunker Hill *New York and New Jersey campaign **Battle of Harlem Heights {{KIA}} }}
'''Thomas W. Knowlton''' (November 22, 1740 – September 16, 1776) was an American patriot who served in the French and Indian War and was a lieutenant colonel during the American Revolution. Knowlton is considered America's first Intelligence professional, and his unit, Knowlton's Rangers, gathered intelligence during the early Revolutionary War. Knowlton was killed in action at the Battle of Harlem Heights.
==Early life and education==
Knowlton was born into a military family on November 22, 1740, in West Boxford, Massachusetts, to William Knowlton<ref>{{cite web |title=William Knowlton (1706–1753) |url=https://ancestors.familysearch.org |website=FamilySearch |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref> and Martha Pinder.<ref>{{cite web |title=Martha Pinder (1703–1775) |url=https://ancestors.familysearch.org |website=FamilySearch |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref> His family were among the earliest English settlers in the Massachusetts colony.<ref>{{cite book |title=Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, Massachusetts: Volume 1, 1636-1656 |url=https://archive.org |publisher=Essex Institute |year=1911 |page=113}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Stocking |first=Charles Henry Wright |title=The History and Genealogy of the Knowltons of England and America |url=https://archive.org/details/historygenealogy01stoc |publisher=Knickerbocker Press |year=1897 |page=35 |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref> When he was eight, his family relocated to a farm in Ashford, Connecticut (current property of the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation). In 1755, at fifteen, Knowlton served in the French and Indian War with his older brother Daniel. He enlisted in Captain John Durkee's company, and is known to have joined Daniel on scouting missions into enemy territory. He later served in Captain John Slapp's 8th Company, where he served with Throope Chapman. On April 5th, 1759, he returned to Ashford to marry Anna Keyes,<ref>{{cite web |title=Anna Keyes (1743–1808) |url=https://ancestors.familysearch.org |website=FamilySearch |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref> he was around 18 and she was 15 or 16 at the time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Knowlton Soldier for Two Countries |url=https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/thomas-knowlton-soldier-for-two-countries/ |publisher=New England Historical Society |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Stocking |first=Charles Henry Wright |title=The History and Genealogy of the Knowltons of England and America |url=https://archive.org |publisher=Knickerbocker Press |year=1897 |page=35}}</ref>
He served during six campaigns in the war and was promoted to lieutenant in 1760. The same year he had his first son, Frederick Knowlton, who would later fight by his side at Harlem Heights.<ref>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Salina |title=Thomas Knowlton: A Small Town's National Hero |url=https://connecticuthistory.org/thomas-knowlton-a-small-towns-national-hero/ |publisher=Connecticut History |date=September 16, 2020 |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref>
In 1762, he fought in Israel Putnam's company against the Spanish during the British expedition against Cuba or the Siege of Havana.
By August 1762, Knowlton had returned home.
He and his wife raised nine children; all but two, Anna Knowlton (1771-1772)<ref>{{cite web |title=Anna Knowlton (1771–1772) |url=https://www.familysearch.org |website=FamilySearch |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref> and Sampson Knowlton (1770-1777),<ref>{{cite web |title=Sampson Knowlton (1770–1777) |url=https://www.familysearch.org |website=FamilySearch |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref> lived to adulthood. At the age of thirty-three, Knowlton was appointed a Selectman of Ashford, Connecticut.<ref>Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution: Journal, 2010</ref>
== Battle of Bunker Hill == {{main|Battle of Bunker Hill}}
On April 18, 1775, General Thomas Gage dispatched a contingent of British troops to Lexington and Concord, about fifteen miles from Boston, Massachusetts. This action led to the outbreak of hostilities that became the American Revolution. On learning of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the militias of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire communities mobilized their members. Thomas Knowlton joined his militia, the Ashford Company, which became part of the 5th Connecticut Regiment, along with the men from Windham, Mansfield and Coventry, Connecticut. Knowlton was chosen unanimously as captain and led 200 men into Massachusetts. His force consisted of farmers, without uniforms, primarily armed with shotguns.<ref>Baker, 2014, pp.78-79</ref>
Knowlton was ordered to Charlestown to join Colonel William Prescott. Knowlton's troops were sent by Colonel Prescott to oppose the advancing British grenadiers, and took their posts on the side of Breed's hill. Knowlton was in command of a 200 men work party. His men dismantled another fence further back and used its rails to strengthen the existing fence, and they filled the space between with new-mown grass which formed an effective breastwork. There they held their ground until the general retreat, and were among those providing cover as the troops retreated. Only three men from Knowlton's company died in the battle.<ref>Moran, 1985</ref>
In 1776, Knowlton was sent by General Washington during the Siege of Boston to burn any remaining buildings at the base of Bunker Hill, with orders to capture any British troops guarding the location. Knowlton accomplished his mission without firing a shot or losing a single man.<ref>Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution, 2010</ref> Years later, Colonel Aaron Burr said: "''I had a full account of the Battle from Knowlton's own lips, and I believe if the chief command had been entrusted to him, the issue would have proved more fortunate. It was impossible to promote such a man too rapidly.''" In June 1775, for his bravery at Bunker Hill, Knowlton was promoted by Congress to major. One of his men later remembered that Knowlton was very courageous, never crying, ''Go on, boys!'' but always, ''Come on, boys!.''<ref>Rose, 2007, p. 16</ref> On January 8, 1776, he led a troop in a successful incursion into Charlestown to burn housing used by British officers.
==Knowlton's Rangers== {{main|Knowlton's Rangers}}
thumb|Seal of the United States Army Military Intelligence Corps
On August 12, 1776, General of the Army George Washington promoted Knowlton to lieutenant colonel. He was ordered to select a group of men from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to carry out reconnaissance missions. America's first official spies, "Knowlton's Rangers" were also the first organized American elite troops.<ref>Military History, 2016</ref> The American spy, Captain Nathan Hale, was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton. The date "1776" on the modern U.S. Army's intelligence service seal refers to the formation of Knowlton's Rangers.<ref>Baker, 2014, p. 82</ref> Knowlton was personally responsible for recruiting Nathan Hale into the Rangers. After Washington requested a volunteer for a dangerous espionage mission behind enemy lines in Long Island, Knowlton presented the opportunity to his officers, and Hale was the only one to step forward. <ref name=":0">{{cite book |last=Baker |first=Mark Allen |title=Spies of Revolutionary Connecticut: From Benedict Arnold to Nathan Hale |publisher=The History Press |year=2014 |isbn=9781625849397 |pages=78–82}}</ref>
== Battle of Harlem Heights and death of Knowlton == On September 16, 1776, a company of rangers led by Knowlton was scouting in advance of Washington's army at the Battle of Harlem Heights. While reconnoitering the British outposts they were engaged by elements of the light infantry brigade commanded by Major General Alexander Leslie. They managed a successful retreat and later mounted a counter-attack with the support of riflemen led by Major Andrew Leitch of Virginia. General Washington ordered the units to fall on the enemy's rear, while a feint in front engaged the British troops’ attention. Knowlton's force turned prematurely and made contact with the right flank of the British instead, losing the element of surprise. In the face of heavy fire from the British, Knowlton rallied his troops to carry on the attack. Both American commanding officers fell mortally wounded in front of their men.
During the battle, Knowlton was struck by a British musket ball in the small of his back or in the back of his head while leading a flanking maneuver against the Black Watch (42nd Royal Highland Regiment). As he lay dying, he reportedly told his son, who was also fighting in the battle: "You see, my son, I am mortally wounded; you can do me no good; go fight for your country".<ref>{{cite web |title=Anna Keyes Knowlton |url=https://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2009/05/anna-keyes-knowlton.html |website=History of American Women |access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref> As he lay mortally wounded, Knowlton's primary concern remained the outcome of the engagement. He reportedly asked those attending him if the Continental troops had "drove the enemy," and famously stated to Adjutant General Joseph Reed while in his arms: {{Quote|I do not value my life if we do but get the day.|Thomas Knowlton, September 16, 1776 {{cite book |last=Reed |first=William B. |title=Life and Correspondence of Joseph Reed |volume=1 |year=1847 |publisher=Lindsay and Blakiston |location=Philadelphia |pages=237–238 |url=https://archive.org |access-date=January 31, 2026}}}} The following day, September 17th, General Washington issued General Orders that formally credited Knowlton's bravery, stating, "The gallant and brave Col. Knowlton... would have been an Honor to any Country, having fallen yesterday, while gloriously fighting."{{cite web |last=Washington |first=George |date=September 17, 1776 |title=General Orders, 17 September 1776 |url=https://founders.archives.gov |website=Founders Online |publisher=National Archives |access-date=January 31, 2026}}
==Legacy and Honors ==
Knowlton is recognized as a foundational figure in American history, serving as the "Father of American Military Intelligence." The modern Military Intelligence Corps traces its lineage directly to Knowlton's Rangers, and the official corps seal features the year "1776" in specific honor of the unit’s formation.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the Military Intelligence Corps |url=https://www.inscom.army.mil |publisher=U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command |access-date=January 31, 2024}}</ref>
thumb|Statue of Knowlton in Hartford, Connecticut
In 1895, a bronze statue of Knowlton was dedicated on the grounds of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statues on the Capitol Grounds |url=https://cga.ct.gov |publisher=Connecticut General Assembly |access-date=January 31, 2024}}</ref> In Ashford, his service is preserved through the ''Knowlton Memorial Hall'', which houses the Babcock Library and town offices.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the Knowlton Memorial Hall |url=https://ashfordlibrary.org |publisher=Babcock Library |access-date=January 31, 2024}}</ref> Knowlton was posthumously inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |title=MI Hall of Fame Inductees |url=https://www.ikn.army.mil |publisher=U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence |access-date=January 31, 2024}}</ref>
== Knowlton Award == thumb|Coat of Arms of Thomas Knowlton In 1995 the Military Intelligence Corps Association (MICA) established the LTC Thomas W. Knowlton Award to honor his role as "Father of Military Intelligence". The Knowlton Award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of Army Military Intelligence in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipients, their superiors, subordinates and peers. It is considered a "once in a lifetime" honor to intelligence professionals as these individuals must also demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and moral character, display an outstanding degree of professional competence, and serve the MI Corps with distinction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Knowlton Award |url=https://www.mica-national.org/awards/knowlton-award/ |website=Military Intelligence Corps Association|accessdate=13 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |date= |title=Military Intelligence Corps Association - Knowlton Award |url=https://www.mica-national.org/awards/knowlton-award/ |accessdate=October 1, 2023 |publisher=}}</ref>
Recipients include Marian Rejewski, the mathematician and cryptologist at the Polish General Staff's Cipher Bureau who in late 1932 reconstructed the German military Enigma cipher machine,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.micastore.com/AwardsAlphabeticallyR.html|title=Awards Alphabetically|author=Military Intelligence Association|accessdate=September 16, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113063737/http://www.micastore.com/AwardsAlphabeticallyR.html|archivedate=January 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>"''Najwyższe odznaczenie amerykańskiego wywiadu za złamanie kodów Enigmy''" ("Highest American Intelligence Award for Breaking Enigma Ciphers"), ''Gwiazda Polarna'' (The Pole Star), vol. 103, no. 20 (September 22, 2012), p. 6.</ref> and Albert Stubblebine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Intelligence Corps Association (MICA) National - Knowlton Award Recipients, The Vanguard and Chapter News |url=https://www.mica-national.org/awards/knowlton-award/ |access-date=October 1, 2023}}</ref>
==References== <!--===Footnotes=== {{NoteFoot|60em}}-->
===Citations=== {{Reflist|30em}}
===Sources=== {{refbegin |60em}} *{{cite book |title=Spies of Revolutionary Connecticut: From Benedict Arnold to Nathan Hale |first=Mark Allen |last=Baker |year=2014 |publisher=The History Press |isbn=9781625849397 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lTruAwAAQBAJ |ref=Baker}}, 160 pages *{{cite book |first=Alexander |last=Rose |year=2007 |title=Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring |publisher=Random House Publishing Group |isbn=9780307418708 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K4lUeuo-UI8C&q=knowlton |ref=Rose}}, 384 pages * {{cite journal |title=The Battle of Bunker Hill |first=Donald N. |last=Moran |publisher=Valley Compatriot Newsletter |year=1985 |url= http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/bunkerhillbattle.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071201023115/http://revolutionarywararchives.org/bunkerhillbattle.html |url-status= usurped |archive-date= December 1, 2007 |ref=Moran}} *{{cite journal |title=Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton, Connecticut's Forgotten Hero |publisher=Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution |url=https://www.sarconnecticut.org/lt-col-thomas-knowlton-connecticuts-forgotten-hero/ |journal= |year=2010 |accessdate=October 22, 2022 |ref=sons}} *{{cite web |title=Spying During the Revolutionary War – Part I |publisher=American Military History Podcast |year=2015 |url=https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/american-military-history-podc-39976/episodes/spying-during-the-revolutionar-1449957 |accessdate=October 22, 2022 |ref=podcast}} *{{cite web |title=Spying During the Revolutionary War – Part II |publisher=American Military History Podcast |year=2015 |url=https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/american-military-history-podc-39976/episodes/spying-during-the-revolutionar-1449956 |accessdate=October 22, 2022 |ref=podcast}}
===Further reading=== *{{cite book |title=Memoir of Col. Thomas Knowlton, of Ashford, Connecticut |editor=Ashbel Woodward, M.D. |last=Knowlton |first=Thomas |authorlink=Thomas Knowlton |publisher=Henry W. Dutton & Son |year=1861 |url=https://archive.org/details/memoirofcolthoma00wood |ref=Knowlton}} * Thomas Knowlton (2022). David Price. ''The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776''. Westholme Publishing. {{refend}}
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050404105155/http://www.ls.net/~newriver/us/founders.htm Portrait by John Trumbull] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050427061353/http://www.cga.ct.gov/capitoltours/photohtmpages/StatuaryPhoto2.htm Statue] * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20090910172751/http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=mgw3&fileName=mgw3g%2Fgwpage001.db&recNum=393 George Washington's General Orders dated September 17, 1776]}} * [http://knowlton.mayflowerman.com/ Thomas Knowlton Genealogy Information from descendant Thomas Knowlton Gibson]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Knowlton, Thomas}} Category:1740 births Category:1776 deaths Category:United States military personnel killed in the American Revolutionary War Category:American spies Category:People from colonial Connecticut Category:People from Ashford, Connecticut Category:Continental Army officers from Connecticut Category:People of Connecticut in the French and Indian War Category:United States Army Rangers Category:American spies during the American Revolution Category:Connecticut select board members