James Gadsden

James Gadsden
painted by Charles Fraser, circa 1831
Born	May 15, 1788 Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
Died	December 26, 1858 (aged 70)
Education	Yale University
Occupations	Diplomat soldier businessman
Known for	Gadsden Purchase
Relatives	Christopher Gadsden (grandfather)

James Gadsden (May 15, 1788 – December 26, 1858)^[1] was an American diplomat, soldier 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 – March 22, 1822. Between 1853 and 1856, he served as U.S. Minister to Mexico. He was known commonly as General Gadsden, although he never had a rank above colonel.