The Real Story of Alexander Hamilton

When you think of Alexander Hamilton, chances are Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash hit musical Hamilton comes to mind. With catchy songs and a world-class cast, it’s definitely unforgettable. But behind the Broadway sensation, Alexander Hamilton has a lifetime of stories. 

Humble Beginnings

Alexander Hamilton’s life began far from the halls of American power. Born on the small Caribbean island of Nevis in the mid to late 1750s, Hamilton’s early life was extremely tough. His father abandoned the family, and his mother died when he was around 12 years old, leaving him orphaned and poor. Despite having so many setbacks, he started writing as a teenager. And, he was so good at it, that he caught the attention of locals. They were so impressed with his talent that they funded his education in America! This amazing opportunity led him to New York in 1773, where he studied at King’s College (now known as Columbia University). Little did anyone know, this Caribbean orphan was about to become a major figure in shaping the new United States as we know it today!

Joining the American Revolution

When the Revolutionary War began, Alexander Hamilton joined the Continental Army, fighting for America’s independence from Britain. He rose through the ranks, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of General George Washington. Alexander Hamilton became his right hand man, witnessing firsthand the challenges and complexities of leading a revolution.

Building a strong america 

With independence won, Alexander Hamilton wanted to build a strong and unified country. He teamed up with James Madison and John Jay to write the Federalist Paper. This was a series of essays that supported the new U.S. Constitution. The paper explained why America needed a strong government to hold the country together.

When George Washington became the first president, he appointed Alexander Hamilton as the Secretary of the Treasury. In this role, he created a plan to help America’s economy grow. Alexander Hamilton set up a national bank, proposed the idea that the federal government should pay off any war debts, and encouraged new industries. And many of these ideas became the backbone of America’s financial system today!

Conflicts and Scandals

Hamilton’s strong opinions and bold ideas didn’t sit well with everyone. He clashed with leaders like Thomas Jefferson, who thought his ideas gave too much power to the government and favored the rich. This disagreement led to the formation of America’s first political parties. Alexander Hamilton’s Federalists supported a strong government, while Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans wanted more power for individual states.

Alexander Hamilton’s life was also rocked by scandal. In 1797, his affair with a woman named Maria Reynolds hit the news and political opponents accused him of financial corruption. To protect his reputation, he admitted to the affair in a detailed public confession. While this confession saved him from accusations of financial wrongdoing, it damaged his personal reputation.

One of Alexander Hamilton’s greatest rivals was Aaron Burr. By 1804, their rivalry was so intense that Aaron Burr challenged him to a duel. Taking place on the 11th July 1804 in Weehawken, New Jersey, the duel ultimately led to the death of Alexander Hamilton, passing away at just 47 years old.

Hamilton’s Legacy

Although he died at a young age, Alexander Hamilton’s impact on America is still felt today. His ideas for a strong economy, a national bank, and a central government helped shape the foundation of the country. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton brought his legacy back to life, with the New York Times calling it, “the most exciting and significant musical of the decade!” Hamilton is the biggest Broadway production since The Book of Mormon, and it’s so popular that even President Obama went back for seconds, watching the show multiple times! In 2016, Hamilton won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and swept up the Tony Awards with an impressive 11 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Score, and more! In 2018, Hamilton also cleaned up the Olivier Awards, taking home seven of their record-smashing 11 nominations, including the esteemed Best New Musical.