Alexander Hamilton
| Alexander Hamilton | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | January 11, 1757 (disputed 1755); Charlestown, Nevis, British West Indies |
| Died | July 12, 1804 (aged ~47); New York City, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Political affiliation | Federalist |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton (m. 1780–1804) |
| Children | Eight, including Philip and William Stephen |
| Occupation(s) | Soldier, lawyer, statesman, economist |
| Major offices | 1st U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1789–1795) Aide-de-camp to George Washington (Revolutionary War) |
| Known for | The Federalist Papers; national finance system; First Bank of the United States; U.S. Mint |
Alexander Hamilton was an American Founding Father, Revolutionary War officer, constitutional thinker, and the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. A prolific writer and architect of the early financial system, he helped secure the new republic’s credit, currency, and commercial foundations.
Early Life and Education
Born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, Hamilton moved to New York as a teenager after patrons recognized his talent. He studied at King’s College (now Columbia University) and quickly immersed himself in revolutionary politics with vigorous pamphlets defending colonial rights.
Revolutionary War
Hamilton served with distinction in the Continental Army, rising to become aide-de-camp to General George Washington. He later commanded a light infantry battalion and led a decisive assault at Yorktown (1781), contributing to the war’s climactic victory.
Nation-Building and the Constitution
After the war, Hamilton practiced law and advocated a stronger union. With James Madison and John Jay, he co-authored The Federalist Papers, explaining and defending the proposed U.S. Constitution. He championed energetic federal power to secure national credit, commerce, and defense.
Secretary of the Treasury (1789–1795)
As the first Treasury secretary, Hamilton proposed a comprehensive program:
- Assumption and funding of national and state Revolutionary War debts to establish U.S. credit.
- Creation of the First Bank of the United States to stabilize currency and extend credit.
- A U.S. Mint and coinage system, plus tariffs and excise taxes to fund government.
- Support for manufacturing and commerce, laying groundwork for national economic growth.
His policies polarized politics, leading to the formation of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties. He also helped suppress the Whiskey Rebellion (1794), affirming federal authority.
Later Years, Duel, and Death
Hamilton continued to shape policy and law after leaving the Cabinet, but personal and political rivalries intensified. On July 11, 1804, he dueled Aaron Burr in Weehawken, New Jersey, and died the next day in New York City.
Legacy
Hamilton’s financial architecture—public credit, a national bank, a mint, and support for industry—helped transform a fragile confederation into a functioning nation-state. His writings remain foundational in constitutional interpretation, economics, and public administration.