Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers, was born out of the tumult of 18th-century New York. His parents, Rachel Faucett and James Hamilton, met in the port city of St. Croix, a colony of Denmark, where they were part of a diverse community of merchants, planters, and slaves. His father abandoned his family, leaving Rachel and young Alexander to fend for themselves. Despite these challenging circumstances, Alexander's intelligence and wit earned him a place at King's College, where he earned a bachelor's degree and developed a deep love for American liberty and a desire for independence. However, his decision to attend King's College put him on a collision course with his parents, particularly his mother, who disapproved of the school's strict Episcopalian leanings. During this time, Alexander's relationship with Eliza Schuyler Hamilton blossomed, and they eventually got married in 1780. The Schuylers, like many other well-to-do families, were passionate about the American cause and believed in the idea of American independence from British rule. Alexander, with his fiery personality, intellect, and ambition, quickly became a key figure in their social circle. In 1775, Alexander arrived at the Continental Army headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and met General George Washington, who would later become his mentor and close friend. Alexander's skills as a writer and a strategist caught the attention of Washington, who appointed him as his aide-de-camp. This marked the beginning of Alexander's remarkable rise to prominence. During his time as an aide to General Washington, Alexander played a crucial role in the Continental Army's victory at Trenton and Princeton, earning recognition and respect from his peers. His writing skills, particularly his ability to craft powerful and persuasive speeches and essays, also caught the attention of the Continental Congress. Alexander's most significant contribution during this period was his role in drafting the influential Federalist Papers, a collection of essays advocating for a strong federal government and the ratification of the United States Constitution. He, along with James Madison and John Jay, argued that a federal system of governance was necessary for the United States to thrive and prosper. In 1787, Alexander married Elizabeth Schuyler, and his marriage was marked by love, mutual support, and a deepening commitment to each other. Throughout his life, Alexander's relationship with his wife, Eliza, was a source of strength, and she proved to be an invaluable partner, supporting him through both the triumphs and the tragedies. In the following years, Alexander's star continued to rise as he took on various roles, including serving as the first Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington. As the nation's financial leader, Alexander worked tirelessly to establish a national bank, a system of tariffs and taxes, and a sound financial system. Despite his many accomplishments, Alexander's legacy was marred by controversy surrounding a duel with Aaron Burr. As tensions escalated, Burr's ambition and a long-standing grudge against Alexander culminated in a duel that took place on July 11, 1804. Alexander, determined to defend his honor and the reputation of his wife, Eliza, chose to engage in a duel with Burr. Tragically, the duel ended with Alexander's tragic death at the hands of Aaron Burr. Alexander's untimely death shocked the nation, and Eliza was left to care for their children and to preserve her husband's legacy. She spent much of her life promoting his writings, collecting his papers, and fighting to have his memory acknowledged. Her efforts ultimately led to Alexander's recognition as one of America's greatest founding fathers. In the years following Alexander's death, the American nation continued to grow and thrive, with many individuals and institutions drawing inspiration from his vision for a united America. Eliza Schuyler Hamilton's love, dedication, and perseverance in preserving her husband's memory ensured that Alexander's remarkable story would not be forgotten. The musical, an adaptation of Ron Chernow's biography 'Alexander Hamilton,' captures the drama, passion, and complexity of Alexander Hamilton's life and times, as well as the profound impact he had on shaping America into the nation it is today. The show's creators, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and others, have woven a narrative that takes the audience on a thrilling journey of love, ambition, and American history.