Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton

Portrait of Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull

Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757 – July 12, 1804) was an American statesman, politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker, and economist. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, the founder of the nation's financial system, the Federalist Party, the United States Coast Guard, and the New York Post newspaper.

Early Life

Hamilton was born out of wedlock in Charlestown, Nevis. His mother, Rachel Faucette, was of British and French Huguenot descent. His father, James A. Hamilton, was of Scottish descent. Hamilton's early life was marked by hardship, but he was able to attend King's College (now Columbia University) in New York City.

American Revolution

During the American Revolutionary War, Hamilton served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington. He was involved in several key battles, including the Battle of Yorktown.

Political Career

Hamilton was a key figure in the drafting of the United States Constitution and was a co-author of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution. He served as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington.

Financial System

Hamilton's financial policies included the creation of the First Bank of the United States, the establishment of a federal tax system, and the assumption of state debts by the federal government. His vision laid the foundation for the modern American economy.

The First Bank of the United States in Philadelphia

Later Life and Death

Hamilton's later years were marked by political rivalry with Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. His opposition to Burr led to a duel in 1804, in which Hamilton was fatally wounded.

Legacy

Hamilton's legacy includes his contributions to the establishment of the United States' financial system and his role in the founding of the Federalist Party. He is remembered as a key architect of the American government.

Related Pages

• Federalist Papers
• United States Constitution
• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson

Gallery

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  Coat of Arms of Alexander Hamilton

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  Alexander Hamilton

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  Hamilton drafting the Constitution

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  Statue of Hamilton

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  1795 Gold Coin

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  USRC Massachusetts

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  1792 Portrait by John Trumbull

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  Great Falls of Paterson

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  Thomas Jefferson by Charles Willson Peale

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  Alexander Hamilton

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  Coat of Arms of Alexander Hamilton

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  Alexander Hamilton

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  Alexander Hamilton making the first draft of the Constitution for the United States, 1787

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  Alexander Hamilton

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  First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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  1795 US $10 "Turban Head" coin

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  USRC Massachusetts (1791)

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  Alexander Hamilton (1792 portrait by John Trumbull)

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  Great Falls of Paterson