Sunday, January 11, 2009

Happy Birthday Alexander Hamilton

On January 11 of either 1755 or 1757, Alexander Hamilton was born. The exact year is unknown. He was born in Nevis, West Indies. He was an aide-de-camp to George Washington and a Revolutionary War hero. He was a member of the Continental Congress. He helped create America's financial system as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton favored a strong central government and became the leader of the Federalist Party. Along with James Madison and John Jay, he wrote the Federalist Papers, urging the ratification of the Constitution.

Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr.

You will find his picture on a ten dollar bill.

If you would like to find out more about this great Founding Father, read Ron Chernow's biography.