Alexander Hamilton

Born January 11, 1755, Nevis, British West Indies—died July 12, 1804

Alexander Hamilton overcame a childhood of poverty and family tragedy to become a Founding Father of the United States, American soldier, lawyer, scholar, economist, congressman, and first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. 

Hamilton overcame the obstacles of his youth, and traveled to Colonial New York to study at what is now Columbia University. Hamilton served in the Revolutionary War as Washington’s aide-de-camp. After the war, Hamilton continued his political career and his economic plans became the foundation of America’s economy. He was an essential figure in gaining support for the Constitution, was a proponent of a strong federal government, and his works were instrumental in ensuring the success of the new nation.