James Gadsden (May 15, 1788 – December 26, 1858) is an American diplomat, soldier and businessman and namesake of the Gadsden Purchase, in which the United States purchases from Mexico the land that becomes the southern portion of Arizona and New Mexico.

James Gadsden serves as Adjutant General of the U. S. Army from August 13, 1821-March 22, 1822, and holds the rank of colonel in the US Army.

He is commonly known as General Gadsden but is only a two star general.