Jacob Brown (general)

Jacob Jennings Brown (May 9, 1775 – February 24, 1828) was an American army officer who served in the War of 1812, where he reached the rank of general. His successes on the northern border during that war made him a national hero, and he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

Even as the US Army was reduced in size after the war, Brown retained commissioned status. In 1821, Brown was appointed Commanding General of the United States Army and held that post until his death. He initiated post-graduate education for staff and command officers, and the General Recruiting Service, to manage the acquisition of troops. After his death, he received a military funeral in Washington, D.C., with a mile-long parade along Pennsylvania Avenue to his burial at Congressional Cemetery.