Alexander Hamilton
Lieutenant Colonel; Washington's Aide-de-Camp
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
Biography
An orphan from the Caribbean island of Nevis, Hamilton arrived in America at 17 and rose to become Washington's most trusted aide and intellectual confidant. His brilliance in correspondence and memoranda shaped Washington's thinking throughout the war. At Yorktown, Hamilton led the assault on Redoubt No. 10, storming the fortification with bayonets in a nighttime attack. After the war, his genius for financial architecture built the American economic system — as first Secretary of the Treasury, he established the national bank, funded the war debt, and set America on the path to becoming an industrial power.
Did you know?
Hamilton's revolutionary pamphlets attracted Washington's attention before he ever met him. He wrote The Federalist Papers alongside James Madison and John Jay — 51 of the 85 essays — in just six months, an intellectual achievement without parallel in American political history.
Key Battles
Battle of Trenton
Patriots victoryDecember 26, 1776 · 924 total casualties
Thomas Paine wrote 'These are the times that try men's souls' just weeks before. Trenton reversed the catastrophic momentum of the New York campaign, re-enlisted thousands of soldiers, and restored patriot morale across the continent. The crossing became one of the most iconic images in American history.
Battle of Princeton
Patriots victoryJanuary 3, 1777 · 518 total casualties
Together with Trenton, Princeton completed Washington's 'Ten Crucial Days,' reversing the war's trajectory. The New Jersey campaign demonstrated Washington's strategic genius — using mobility to compensate for numerical weakness.
Battle of Monmouth
Patriots victoryJune 28, 1778 · 720 total casualties
Monmouth was the last major battle in the North. The new French alliance shifted British strategy south, and Washington's army had proven it could fight on equal terms. General Lee was court-martialed and never held command again.
Siege of Yorktown
Patriots victorySeptember 28 – October 19, 1781 · 8,476 total casualties
The last major military engagement of the Revolution. Parliament voted to end offensive operations in America, and peace negotiations began. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally recognized American independence.
Life Journey
Timeline
January 11, 1755
🌅 Birth
Born in Charlestown, Nevis, British West Indies
1773
📚 Education
Arrives in New York; enrolls at King's College
December 26, 1776
⚔️ Battle
Crosses Delaware with Washington; fights at Trenton and Princeton
1777–1781
📍 Posting
Serves as Washington's aide-de-camp; architects of Continental Army strategy
October 14, 1781
⚔️ Battle
Leads bayonet assault on Redoubt No. 10 at Yorktown
1789–1795
📍 Posting
Serves as first Secretary of the Treasury; builds American financial system
July 11, 1804
✝️ Death
Fatally shot by Aaron Burr in duel at Weehawken, New Jersey