Nathanael Greene's name is often misspelled, yet numerous counties nationwide—including Greene County, Indiana—honor him. Born in 1742 in Warwick, Rhode Island, Greene was raised in a Quaker family and managed his father's mill, actively participating in local affairs and developing a keen interest in military science. His support for armed rebellion led to expulsion from the Quaker Church, though he remained committed to its principles.

Elected to the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1770, Greene helped form the Kentish Guards militia. After marrying Catharine Littlefield, he fathered six children. Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, Greene was appointed Major-General of a Rhode Island force and stationed troops around Boston. He became George Washington’s trusted general, notably serving as Quartermaster General at Valley Forge and taking command at West Point after Benedict Arnold’s betrayal.

In 1780, Greene became Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Army, employing tactics that led to significant victories, including Daniel Morgan’s triumph at Cowpens. Though defeated at Guilford Court House, Greene’s maneuvers weakened British forces, prompting Cornwallis's retreat and allowing Greene to reclaim interior South Carolina.

Greene's campaign displayed strategic innovation and benefited from capable subordinates. The war’s end left him with financial challenges due to debts incurred supporting his troops, which Congress would not cover. Greene sold assets and relocated to Georgia’s "Mulberry Grove," working diligently to improve his estate. In 1786, after exposure to extreme sunlight during a visit to a rice plantation, Greene fell ill and died on June 19. His death was widely mourned, and he is buried under a memorial obelisk in Savannah, Georgia

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An Act by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana signed by Governor Jonathan Jennings formed Greene County out of Sullivan and Daviess Counties on January 5th, 1821.  Named in honor of General Nathanael Greene, Greene County would be the 34/35th county establish in Indiana.  Encompassing 543 square miles, making it the 4th largest county in the State of Indiana.  Early settlers found a land rich natural resources of stone and coal, valuable clay, ocher beds, iron ore and great stands of native hardwoods.