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Birth
Alexander Hamilton was born out of an affair on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies. His mother, Rachel Fawcett Lavine, had not yet been divorced with her first husband when she met James Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton's father. -
First Job
At the age of eleven, Hamilton began to work as a clerk at a local accounting firm. He impressed his employer, Nicholas Cruger, and a minister, Hugh Knox. Hamilton's impressive intelligence would later get him sent to America for a better education. -
Orphaned
With Hamilton's father leaving when he was young, Hamilton was orphaned at the age of eleven when his mother died of a disease. Hamilton moved in with their cousin, but his cousin committed suicide and Hamilton was alone. -
King's College
At age 16, Hamilton arrived in New York City to attend King's College. He received a public education, but he was more interested in the upcoming Revolutionary War against the British. -
First Politcal Article
Hamilton wrote his first political article which defended Patriots against Loyalist. This article was the first of many. Article written by Hamilton -
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Military Career
Hamilton's military career began in the state of New York. Hamilton was the captain of an artillery unit, and he fought in battles around New York City. Hamilton's skill was discovered, and he soon became Washington's second in command. Hamilton led a battalion in the battle of Yorktown, and he was discharged from the army months after the victory. -
Marriage and Family
Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of a rich New Yorker. Hamilton and Elizabeth had seven children, and they struggled financially. Even though Hamilton was very successful handling the Nation's money, he invested too much on enterprises and enjoyed having a lavish lifestyle for his family. -
Constitutional Convention
Hamilton proposed the Hamilton Plan at the Constitutional Convention. Hamilton believed that neither the Virginia Plan nor the New Jersey Plan were correct for the United States. His plan for the government was modeled after Britain's. Many delegates disagreed with his whole plan, so they instead compromised to create the constitution that is used today. -
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Federalist Papers
Hamilton wrote 52 of the 85 Federalist Papers. The purpose of the papers was to convince states to ratify the new constitution of the United States. Alexander Hamilton, James Maddison, and John Jay all wrote these papers and then published them in different newspapers under the pen name "Publious." -
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Treasury
After the Revolutionary War, Hamilton became the First Secretary of Tressuray. During his time in the Tressuary, he built America's credit back up and established the country's first National Bank. Hamilton was also known to dissagree with Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, while he held the Secretary of Tressuary position. -
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Reynolds Scandal
In the summer of 1791, Hamilton, age 34, met Maria Reynolds, age 23. The affair lasted three years, and James Reynolds, Maris's husband, secretly knew it was going on. James blackmailed Hamilton by threatening to tell Elizabeth. Hamilton was forced to pay about $1000 to James which would be worth about $24,000 in 2016. Hamilton would later release the Reynolds Pamphlet in 1797 which announced to the world about his affair and made it impossible for him to become president. -
Fatal Duel
Hamilton faced Aaron Burr in a duel at dueling grounds near Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton was forced to accept Burr's challenge because of his own pride. Hamilton threw away his shot because he didn't want to kill Burr, but Burr shot a bullet that went through Hamilton's stomache and stuck next to his spine. Hamilton died the next afternoon, July 12, surrounded by family members.
