LifeTimeline
Alexander Hamilton
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Born
Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11, 1757 in Charlestown, the capital of a small Caribbean Island called Nevis. He was the illegitimate son of James A. Hamilton and Rachel Faucette. Faucette was previously married to Johann Michael Lavien of St. Croix. James Hamilton later abandoned Faucette and their children, saying that he was protecting Faucette from bigamy charges. She died on February 19, 1768 of fever, leaving Hamilton orphaned. -
Begins Formal Education
Elizabethtown, New Jersey
Hamilton was denied membership in his childhood church school by the Church of England because his parents were not married. To counter this, he was tutored and given classes in a private school led by a Jewish headmistress. However, in 1772, Hamilton arrived in New Jersey to attend formal grammar school at Elizabethtown Academy to prepare for college courses. Hamilton then began his undergaduate academic career at Kings College (Columbia University) in 1773. -
Hamilton Begins His Support of Revolutionary Cause in College
New York, New York
After Loyalist Samuel Seabury published a set of pamphlets attacking revolutionary thought, Hamilton responded with the first of his political writings: "A Full Vindication of the Measures of Congress and The Farmer Refuted." In these pamphlets, Hamilton argues that the actions of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia were just. -
Saves King College President From Angry Mob
New York, New York
Though Hamilton supported the revolutionary forces, he did not approve of Loyalists being violently attacked. Hamilton saved the Loyalist Kings College president Myles Cooper from an angry mob when he distracted the mob with his oratory skills long enough for Cooper to sneak away. -
Becomes Washington's Aide
United States
Hamilton was offered positions as an aide to multiple generals, but chose to not accept, believing that battlefield glory was the best way to advance his life's prospects. But when George Washington invited him to become his aide, he could not refuse. As his aide, he was involved with virtually all revolutionary matters - intelligence, diplomacy, negotiation. Hamilton yearned for active combat, and as the Revolutionary War went on, this desire increased. Washington reprimanded Hamilton in early 1781, which Hamilton then used as an excuse to resign to go back to active combat. Washington finally relented in July 1781, and Hamilton was assigned as commander of a New York battalion. -
Marries Elizabeth Schuyler
United States
Hamilton marries Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of General Philip Schuyler. The two were very deeply in love. In his letters to Elizabeth, Alexander wrote: "I love you too much. You engross my thoughts too [e]ntirely to allow me to think of any thing else." The couple would eventually have eight children: Philip, John Church, James Alexander, William, Eliza, Alexander Hamilton Jr., Angelica, and Philip. -
Battle of Yorktown
Yorktown, Virginia
Hamilton commanded three battalions in the Battle of Yorktown, aiming to take the British-occupied stronghold. Hamilton's actions, as well as those by French allied troops, forced the British to surrender their position. This battle ended major British military operations in North America, making it a revolutionary milestone. -
Participates in the Constitutional Convention and Writes The Federalist Papers
Philadephia, Pennsylvania
In 1787, Alexander Hamilton went to Philadelphia to participate in the Constitutional Convention. He was the only one of three delegates from New York to support a strong federal government. After his proposals for the constitution were outvoted in his delegation, he left the Convention in late June to practice law in New York. He returned in September to sign the proposed Constitution, which would then be sent to individual states for ratification.
In October, Hamilton, along with James Madison and John Jay began to write the Federal Papers, the famous documents which argue for the ratification and support of the new Constitution by states. -
Becomes the Nation's First Secretary of the Treasury
United States
After George Washington became the first U.S. President, he nominated Hamilton to become to first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton was confirmed by the Senate without debate. His accomplishments include proposing and defending the creation of a national bank as well as the federal assumption of state debts. After an outbreak of yellow fever in 1793, Thomas Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State. This vacancy provided Hamilton with more power in the presidential cabinet. He assisted in suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. He rode out with Washington with the intent to crush the rebellion through military force, but found that the insurrection had collapsed. -
Accused of Embezzling and Infidelity
Hamilton was accused of paying embezzled money to Maria Reynold's husband by James Callender. Hamilton published a rebuttal to Callender, denying that any money paid to Maria's husband was for financial speculation, or that he ever used his position for corrupt purposes. He admitted to the infidelity however, stating ""My real crime is an amorous connection with his wife for a considerable time." His confession humiliated his family, stunned his allies, and pleased his enemies. -
Died in Duel With Aaron Burr
United States
In July 1804, Hamilton was fatally wounded by Aaron Burr in a duel. Their feud began to heat up in March, when Burr lost in the New York governor's election after Hamilton and Jefferson expressed their opposition to him. In April, Hamilton published a letter expressing his "despicable opinion" of Burr. On June 18, Burr demanded an explanation from Hamilton for the letter. Hamilton refused, and tensions rose over several days until a duel was scheduled for July 11. Burr then killed Hamilton, and after horrific pain Hamilton died the next day.