5 Surprising Facts about Alexander Hamilton You Didn’t Know

History buffs and theater enthusiasts alike have become well-versed in Alexander Hamilton’s life story – or, at least, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s interpretation of it. But for all the buzz surrounding the famous Founding Father, there are still a few little-known facts about Alexander Hamilton floating around out there. Here are 5 surprising facts about Alexander Hamilton you didn’t know.

1. He was a self-made man

While it’s true that Hamilton was not born into privilege, his journey to become one of America’s greatest statesmen is impressive. He was orphaned as a child and had to work hard to survive. As a teenager, he worked as a clerk in a general store before being offered the chance to attend college in New York City. However, he had to drop out after a year because he couldn’t afford tuition. Nevertheless, Hamilton taught himself through reading and writing, eventually becoming George Washington’s aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War and later the United States’ first Secretary of the Treasury.

2. Hamilton supported a strong federal government

Despite being a champion of liberty and the Bill of Rights, Alexander Hamilton recognized the need for a strong federal government. He believed that a central government was necessary to preserve the union, raise an army, protect commerce and regulate trade. However, Hamilton’s strict interpretation of the Constitution often put him at odds with his fellow Founding Fathers.

3. He died in a duel with Aaron Burr

In 1804, Hamilton was challenged to a duel by Aaron Burr, Vice President at the time. The men had a long-standing feud, and Hamilton agreed to the duel even though he opposed the practice. On July 11, 1804, the men met at dawn in Weehawken, New Jersey, and shot at each other. Hamilton was shot in the abdomen and died the next day, while Burr was indicted for murder but ultimately acquitted.

4. Hamilton was a prolific writer

Hamilton had a voracious appetite for writing, and his published works include newspaper articles, essays, and political pamphlets. He was also a prolific letter-writer, corresponding with a vast network of friends and colleagues. In fact, it’s likely that Hamilton’s prolific writing was one of the factors that contributed to his untimely death. In the lead-up to his duel with Burr, Hamilton had published several scathing articles about Burr, which likely led to Burr’s challenge.

5. He was multilingual

In addition to being a gifted writer, Alexander Hamilton was also fluent in several languages, including French, German, and Latin. This talent came in handy during the Revolutionary War, when he served as an interpreter for General Washington. His fluency in French also helped during negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Conclusion

From his humble beginnings as an orphaned teenager to his tragic end in a duel with Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton led a fascinating life. These 5 surprising facts about Alexander Hamilton serve as a reminder of his incredible legacy and the impact he had on American history.