• Founding Father Alexander Hamilton was the first United States Secretary of the Treasury. He was the first delegate chosen to the Constitutional Convention and one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, a primary source for Constitutional interpretation.

  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.

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: January 11, 1755 (or 1757) in Nevis, British West Indies
  2. Spouse: Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
  3. Political Party: Federalist (Founder)
  4. Notable Position Held: First U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
  5. One of the main authors of the Federalist Papers
  6. Died: July 12, 1804 following a duel with Aaron Burr

• Timeline

  • 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

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Thomas Jefferson | John Adams | George Washington | United States Constitution | Federalist Party | The Federalist Papers | National Bank | Founding Fathers | Secretary of the Treasury | Aaron Burr | Elizabeth Hamilton | Philip Schuyler | American Revolution | Hamilton College

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