Hamilton was born in the British West Indies and educated in New England. He volunteered to serve in the Revolutionary War, eventually becoming a confidante to General George Washington.

Hamilton assumed the role as Secretary of the Treasury in 1789. He resigned from the office in 1795 after having been caught in an extramarital affair.

Following his resignation, Hamilton returned to his Constitutional law practice. Hamilton's sway over the country's fiscal policies fell out of favor with the election of Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson to office in 1800.

In 1801, Hamilton founded the New-York Evening Post, a Federal broadsheet.

In 1804, he was challenged to a duel by political rival Aaron Burr. Hamilton was mortally wounded during that duel and died the following day.

• January 11, 1755 (or 1757): Born
• 1775: Volunteers to serve in Revolutionary War
• 1777-1781: Serves on George Washington's staff
• 1782-1783: Serves as member of Congress of the Confederation
• 1783: Opens law office in New York City
• 1787: First delegate chosen to Constitutional Convention
• 1789-1795: Serves as U.S. Treasury Secretary
• 1801: Founds the New-York Evening Post
• July 12, 1804: Dies following duel with Aaron Burr