*Top picture is of Hamilton and the bottom picture is his tombstone 
This site is the tombstone of Alexander Hamilton who contributed in three major ways.
- Hamilton was a founding father that acted in the Military.
- Came to America as poor immigrant but fought his way to a better life
- Hamilton was a part of the continental army.
- He was called upon by George Washington for his expertise (because of his education) and became his assistant
- Led a successful charge in Battle of Yorktown
- Hamilton was a well-known lawyer
- Studied initially in King’s College when he came to america and returned to his studies as lawyer after the war
- He went against the Trespass Act that made Loyalist pay rebels
- Hamilton then began to defend Loyalists who were treated poorly
- Showed that Hamilton was a “bigger man” ; he fought for what was right and was against injustice
- Hamilton became an active leader in politics and became the first secretary of the treasury.
- He created the first National Bank.
- Set up war bonds, taxes, and more as secretary of treasury.
- Hamilton created the first Federalist party
- He helped Jefferson become president
- His activeness in politics eventually got him killed in a duel against Aaron Burr
How exactly did the duel occur?
ReplyDeleteI think it is so interesting how Hamilton came to America as a poor immigrant and was quickly able to become well known in society through helping George Washington and becoming a lawyer. It is so difficult to do nowadays and imagine how difficult it was back then.
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ReplyDeleteYes, Hamilton can be seen as the quintessential New Yorker - a poor immigrant who comes to the city, works hard, has great ambition, and uses education to move up.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind as we learn more about Hamilton in the days ahead: why is it fitting that he is buried so close to Wall Street? Or that he is on our currency?
ReplyDeleteTo answer Dara's question, the duel occurred in Weehawken NJ. The main idea behind it was that Hamilton made Jefferson win election while, Burr was not supported and lost. So the two had a gun duel where Hamilton shot first but purposely missed and then Burr shot him directly.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that Hamilton had schooling at Kings College, and then went to war, and then was able to come back and continue his studies. I wonder how many men operated under similar circumstances
ReplyDeleteDid Burr attempt to rerun for election in later years? If so, did his murder of Hamilton affect the outcome?
ReplyDeleteWell The system back the for presidential elections was weird. The loser of the two men would become VP. He never ran again for election. Also, in court, the evidence was circumstantial. Thus, from what we know, Burr was not heavily affected by the duel.
ReplyDeleteWell The system back the for presidential elections was weird. The loser of the two men would become VP. He never ran again for election. Also, in court, the evidence was circumstantial. Thus, from what we know, Burr was not heavily affected by the duel.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your answers, Nick Just to clarify a few points: 1) Hamilton had raised questions in a newspaper about Burr's moral character and fitness to hold office. Burr challenged him to a duel to defend his name and honor. 2) Burr fled the country for a while but later returned. He never faced prosecution. 3) Burr's political career was ruined and he never held office again.. In fact, he later went to trial for conspiracy to take away western and and start his own country. A very ambitious (and untrustworthy) man ...
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