Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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John Adams
A leading proponent of independence, a congressman, a diplomat, and the second President of the United States
Person
Aaron Burr
Complex and controversial early American politician known for his fatal duel with Alexander Hamilton
Person
Prince Hall
Founder of the first African American Masonic lodge, in Boston, and advocate for abolition and civil rights
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
Lemuel Haynes
African American clergyman and Revolutionary War veteran known for his writings on racial equality
Person
Patrick Henry
A leading figure in the Revolutionary era in Virginia, known for his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech
Person
Belinda, Patty Gipson, Jemima Hunt
Little-known figures in the fight for the abolition of slavery
Person
Thomas Jefferson
Principal author of the Declaration of Independence who became the third President of the United States after a controversial election
Person
Cuffee Wells, Romeo Smith, Peter Kiteredge
Black soldiers who fought for American independence as well as their rights as free men
Person
Marquis de Lafayette
French nobleman and American general during the American Revolution who was a key figure in the Franco-American alliance
Person
James Madison
Fourth President of the United States known as the “Father of the Constitution”
Person