Alexander Hamilton was an American patriot, but he was not born in America. In 1755, Alexander Hamilton was born on Nevis Island in the Caribbean.

In 1773 a hurricane hit Nevis Island. Young Alexander wrote about the storm and his writing was published in a newspaper. A rich businessman liked his writing and sent him to America to go to college.

The American revolution began while Alexander was still in college. He finished college then joined the fight for independence becoming a Captain in the American Revolution.

In 1781 Hamilton led troops in the Battle of Yorktown. This battle ended the war and made Captain Hamilton an American hero.

After the America won their independence, Hamilton helped in writing the Constitution.

Primary resource: Painting of the signing of the Constitution

When George Washington became president, he chose Alexander Hamilton to be the first Secretary of Treasury. Under this position, Hamilton set up the first national bank with the first national currency.

Primary resource: Alexander Hamilton statue in front of the National Treasury Building

Hamilton began writing articles with strong opinions about some men who ran the government, one of the men being Aaron Burr. In 1804 Aaron Burr called a duel where he shot and killed Alexander Hamilton.

Timeline

1755- Born

1773- Hurricane hits Nevis Island and Hamilton is sent to America.

1775- American Revolution begins

1776- Becomes Captain in the Army

1781- Hamilton leads troops to end the war in the Battle of Yorktown

1787- Hamilton is a delegate at the Constitutional Convention

1789- Hamilton becomes the first Secretary of Treasury

1790- Hamilton submits a report calling for a national bank

1804- Hamilton is shot at a duel with Aaron Burr and dies