Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton’s childhood was characterized by loss and hardship. Yet with a little help and a lot of tenacity, he travelled to America to pursue an education. Aged 15 he arrived in New York City as an immigrant and an orphan. He studied hard and became known for his intelligence, wit and impressive rhetorical skills. He was soon swept up in the revolutionary cause and joined the army. During the Revolutionary war he became a close friend of George Washington and after America gained independence, he trained as a lawyer, founded a national bank and was appointed to Congress. As a politician, he co-wrote the highly influential Federalist papers and later became the first Secretary of the Treasury.