Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton
1st United States Secretary of the Treasury
In office September 11, 1789 – January 31, 1795
President	George Washington
Preceded by	None (New office)
Succeeded by	Oliver Wolcott, Jr.
Delegate from New York to the Congress of the Confederation
In office 1788–1789
Delegate from New York to the Constitutional Convention
In office 1787–1787
Delegate from New York County to the New York State Legislature
In office 1787–1788
Delegate from New York to the Annapolis Convention
In office 1786–1786
Delegate from New York to the Congress of the Confederation
In office 1782–1783
Personal details
Born	January 11, 1755 or 1757 Nevis, Caribbean (now Saint Kitts and Nevis)
Died	July 12, 1804 (aged 49 or 47) New York City, New York
Political party	Federalist
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
Profession	military officer, lawyer, financier, political theorist
Religion	Episcopalian at his death
Military service
Allegiance	Province of New York (began 1775) State of New York (began 1776) United States of America (began 1777)
Service/branch	New York Provincial Company of Artillery Continental Army United States Army
Years of service	1775–1776 (Militia) 1776–1781 1798–1800
Rank	Beginning: Lieutenant (Artillery) Highest: Major General (Senior Officer of the United States Army)
Battles/wars	American Revolutionary War Battle of White Plains Battle of Trenton Battle of Princeton Battle of Monmouth Battle of Yorktown Quasi-War

Alexander Hamilton (born January 11, year unknown - probably 1755 or 1757–died July 12, 1804) was the United States' first Secretary of the Treasury, and was known for the creation of a national bank.

Early Life

Hamilton was not born in the United States. He was from the Caribbean island of Nevis. His father was named James Hamilton and his mother was named Rachel Fawcett Lavien. Hamilton's mother had a child from a previous marriage that she left behind when she moved to Nevis. At the time, this meant that Hamilton was illegitimate since his mother and father were not legally married. He was very sensitive about this fact.

Education

Hamilton graduated from Columbia University, which was known then as Kings College. He wanted to go to Princeton but was not accepted.

Death

Hamilton was killed in 1804 in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.

Legacy

Hamilton on the $10 bill

Hamilton is shown on the face of the U.S. 10 dollar bill.

Hamilton is one of only two non-presidents honored on commonly used notes.

Some of Hamilton's words are still quoted. For example,

• "He who stands for nothing will fall for anything."

• "I never expect a perfect work from an imperfect man."