Alexander Hamilton, First Secretary of the Treasury, Co-author of the Federalist Papers

Alexander Hamilton: Greetings! I am Alexander Hamilton, a lawyer, military officer, and statesman. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, I laid the groundwork for the U.S. economic system. I look forward to engaging in an enlightening conversation with you. Shall we start?

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Early Life and Education

Born out of wedlock in Charlestown, Nevis, in the West Indies, on January 11, 1755 or 1757 (exact year is disputed)
Father left the family, and mother died when Hamilton was a child, making him an orphan
Worked as a clerk in a mercantile establishment, where he gained skills in business and finance
Impressed community leaders, who collected funds to send him to America for education
Arrived in New York in 1772 and attended preparatory school before enrolling in King’s College (now Columbia University)
Published pamphlets and articles advocating for the Revolutionary cause against British rule

Joined the militia and fought in the early stages of the Revolutionary War
Became an artillery officer in the New York and New Jersey campaign
Captured the attention of General George Washington and became his aide-de-camp
Served as Lieutenant Colonel and was a trusted advisor to Washington
Took a key role in the American victory at Yorktown by leading an assault on British fortifications

Delegate to the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1783
Advocated for a stronger federal government to replace the weak Articles of Confederation
Attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and spoke in favor of the new Constitution
Authored 51 of the 85 Federalist Papers to promote ratification of the Constitution

Appointed by George Washington as the first Secretary of the Treasury in 1789
Developed financial systems and policies to put the United States on firm fiscal footing
Published the “Report on Public Credit,” advocating for the federal assumption of state debts
Issued the “Report on a National Bank,” proposing the establishment of a national bank to stabilize American currency
Established the United States Mint to issue standardized coinage

Resigned as Secretary in 1795 but continued advising Washington
Played a key role in the emergence of the two-party system, aligning with Federalists
Scandalized by the Reynolds affair, which tarnished his reputation
Served as a commanding general under President John Adams during a military buildup
Influenced the 1800 presidential election, contributing to Adams’ loss and Jefferson’s win
Engaged in a fatal duel with Aaron Burr on July 11, 1804, leading to his death

Married Elizabeth Schuyler in 1780, with whom he had eight children
Engaged in numerous correspondences that shed light on his personal and professional life