From the fight for American independence to the defense of a young nation, Philemon Thomas answered the call to serve.
A Revolutionary War Veteran, Thomas fought in the American victory at Guilford Court House in 1781. He later served as a Major General during the War of 1812, led the capture of the Spanish fort at Baton Rouge, served in the Kentucky and Louisiana legislatures, and was elected to the U.S. Congress twice.
Thomas died on November 18, 1847, and is buried at Baton Rouge National Cemetery.
VA is honoring a Revolutionary War Veteran each week through August 2, commemorating the official signing of the Declaration of Independence.