In this segment, historian Rick Britton talks with Les Sinclair about: Today in U.S. History: Born January 11, 1755, (on the Caribbean island Nevis), Alexander Hamilton was an influential interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the founder of the nation’s financial system, and the Federalist Party.
Born out of wedlock and orphaned, Hamilton then taken in by a prosperous merchant who sent him to New York to pursue his education. Taking an early role in the militia as the Revolutionary War began, he eventually became a senior aide to Washington. After the war, he was elected a representative from New York.

As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was the main author of the economic policies of George Washington’s administration. His vision included a strong central government led by a vigorous executive branch. Thomas Jefferson was his leading opponent, arguing for agrarianism and smaller government. Hamilton played a central role in the Federalist party, which dominated national and state politics until it lost the election of 1800 to Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party.

His opposition to Adams’ re-election helped cause the Federalist party defeat in 1800. Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied for the presidency in the electoral college in 1801, and Hamilton helped to defeat Burr, whom he found unprincipled, and to elect Jefferson despite their philosophical differences.

Vice President Burr ran for governor of New York State in 1804, and Hamilton campaigned against him. Taking offense, Burr challenged him to a duel on July 11, 1804, in which Burr shot and mortally wounded Hamilton, who died the following day.

Also: Rick Britton will be teaching a “Civil War in Central Virginia” class for the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society. It commences Monday, February 4th. To sign up, go to the Historical Society website. or call 434-296-1492