Alexander Hamilton
Introduction: Hamilton was one of America’s Founding Fathers and the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis in the West Indies on January 11, 1755. His parents were James Hamilton, a merchant, and Rachel Faucette. When Hamilton was thirteen, his father died and his mother moved with her children to St. Croix. Hamilton attended King’s College in New York City (now Columbia University). He was a brilliant student and became involved in the struggle for American independence.
In 1777, Hamilton joined the Continental Army as an aide-de-camp to General Washington. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Yorktown and was appointed by Washington as his personal secretary. After the war, Hamilton served as Secretary of the Treasury under the Articles of Confederation. He played a leading role in drafting the Constitution and was one of its most prominent advocates. After the Constitution was ratified, Hamilton was elected as a Representative from New York. He was also selected by George Washington as the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States and served in this post under both Presidents Washington and Adams.

Hamilton’s Early Life: Born out of wedlock in the West Indies, Hamilton was orphaned and migrated to New York City at a young age.
Hamilton was born out of wedlock on the island of Nevis in the West Indies in either 1755 or 1757. His father was a Scottish trader and his mother was a slave. When Hamilton was just ten years old, both of his parents died and he became an orphan. He migrated to St. Croix where he lived with a relative. Hamilton showed early signs of brilliance and was granted a scholarship to King’s College in New York at the age of fourteen.
Hamilton’s Career in Politics: A self-taught genius, Hamilton rose to become one of the country’s most important and influential leaders.
Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis in the West Indies on January 11, 1755. Hamilton’s parents were not wealthy and had to send him away to be educated. Hamilton was a self-taught genius and rose to become one of the country’s most influential Founding Fathers. He helped write the Constitution and served as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton was also a major general in the army during the War of 1812. Hamilton died on July 12, 1804, after being shot by Aaron Burr in a duel.
The Duel with Aaron Burr: A tragic event in Hamilton’s life that ended his political career.
The Duel with Aaron Burr was a tragic event in Hamilton’s life that ended his political career. Hamilton had been feuding with Burr for some time and the two finally decided to settle their differences with a duel. They met on July 11, 1804 at Weehawken, New Jersey and both men fired their pistols. Burr hit Hamilton in the stomach and he died the next day. The duel was a huge scandal and it ruined Burr’s political career as well.
Hamilton’s Legacy: An accomplished statesman, economist, and soldier, Hamilton left a lasting legacy on American history.
Alexander Hamilton was one of the most influential and accomplished figures in early American history. A gifted statesman, economist, and soldier, Hamilton’s legacy is still felt today. He was a major force in shaping the United States Constitution and served as the country’s first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton also played a role in America’s early military campaigns, leading troops in the Battle of Yorktown which effectively ended the Revolutionary War. His many accomplishments have earned him a place among America’s Founding Fathers.