Alexander Hamilton Timeline

Alexander Hamilton was a Founding Father of the United States and played many different roles throughout his lifetime- soldier, lawyer, scholar, economist, congressman, and first Secretary of the Treasury. Click on each date to learn more about what happened during that year in his life!

 

 

1755

Although there is no official record of his birth (his parents were not married), Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis in the Eastern Carribbean.

 

 

1773

After the passing of his mother and working for a trading company, Hamilton was offered the chance to emigrate to America. He started attending Kings College (now Columbia University) and became active in the movement toward revolution.

 

 

1777

Alexander joins George Washington’s staff as aide-de-camp (they met for the first time at the Battle of Harlem Heights the previous year). (Note: This image is from later in the war when he led the charge on Redoubt 10 at the Battle of Yorktown)

 

 

1780

Alexander Hamilton was married to Elizabeth Schuyler.

 

 

1787

After a distinguished military career, and beginning his career after the war as an attorney, Hamilton was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and while there, advocated for a strong national government. (Alexander is depicted in the black suit to the left of Benjamin Franklin)

 

 

1788

Along with James Madison and John Jay, Hamilton wrote the Federalist Papers, 85 essays in support of the Constitution. He wrote 51 of them.

 

 

1789

In President Washington’s administration, Alexander became the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. While Secretary, he organized the National Bank, the U.S. monetary system, the tax system, Customs Service, and established both the national debt and a method for paying it back. He continued to advise Washington in many areas and helped write his speeches. (Note: Modern image of today’s US Treasury)

 

 

1802

The Hamilton family moved into The Grange.

 

 

1804

Hamilton was killed in a now infamous duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.