Alexander Hamilton was one of America's most brilliant and consequential Founding Fathers. Born around 1755 on the Caribbean island of Nevis, he rose from humble, troubled origins to become a towering figure in American history through sheer intellect and ambition.
Hamilton served as George Washington's trusted aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War before becoming the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury. He established the U.S. financial system, founded the Bank of the United States, and authored the majority of the Federalist Papers. His vision shaped modern American government and economics. He died on July 12, 1804, following a fatal duel with Aaron Burr.
