Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Paul Cuffe
Black and Wampanoag businessman and shipbuilder who advocated for abolition, civil rights, and African colonization
Person
Nathanael Greene
Trusted aide to George Washington known for strategic brilliance and Revolutionary War victories
Person
Alexander Hamilton
A poor immigrant from the Caribbean who became a key figure in the Revolution and in establishing the US government
Person
George III
King of Great Britain viewed as a tyrant by colonists and a symbol of imperial rule
Person
John Jay
Co-author of the Federalist Papers, American diplomat, abolitionist, and first Chief Justice of the United States
Person
Thomas Jefferson
Principal author of the Declaration of Independence who became the third President of the United States after a controversial election
Person
Marquis de Lafayette
French nobleman and American general during the American Revolution who was a key figure in the Franco-American alliance
Person
Gouverneur Morris
Constitutional Convention delegate who advocated a strong central government, abolition, and freedom of religion
Person
Samson Occom
Mohegan clergyman, writer, and orator who was a key figure in Native American rights and education
Person
Thomas Paine
Author of “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man” who was influential in the American and French Revolutions
Person
Paul Revere
Boston patriot, famed for his “midnight ride,” whose art turned a local skirmish into a “Massacre”
Person
Philip Schuyler
American general, influential New Yorker of Dutch descent, and father-in-law to Alexander Hamilton
Person