Alexander Hamilton

Biography

Alexander Hamilton (1755/1757–1804) was a Founding Father of the United States, first Secretary of the Treasury, and co-author of The Federalist Papers. Born in the Caribbean, he came to New York for education and became George Washington’s chief aide during the Revolutionary War. As Treasury Secretary, he established the national bank, the U.S. Mint, and the foundation of American financial policy. He co-wrote The Federalist Papers with James Madison and John Jay to advocate ratification of the Constitution. He was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. His life inspired the hit musical Hamilton.