James Gadsden

James Gadsden
c. 1831 portrait of Gadsen by Charles Fraser
BornMay 15, 1788
DiedDecember 26, 1858 (aged 70)
EducationYale University
Occupations
  • Diplomat
  • soldier
  • businessman
Known forGadsden Purchase
Relatives

Colonel James Gadsden (May 15, 1788 – December 26, 1858) was a United States Army officer, diplomat, and businessman after whom the Gadsden Purchase is named, pertaining to land which the United States bought from Mexico, and which became the southern portions of Arizona and New Mexico. James Gadsden served as Adjutant General of the U.S. Army from August 13, 1821 to March 22, 1822. Between 1853 and 1856, he served as the U.S. Minister to Mexico. He was known commonly as General Gadsden, although he never had a rank above colonel.