Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Richard Allen
Prominent Philadelphia advocate for abolition and civil rights and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
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
Lemuel Haynes
African American clergyman and Revolutionary War veteran known for his writings on racial equality
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
Absalom Jones
Abolitionist, religious leader, and founder of the first Black Episcopal church in the United States
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
Dolley Madison
The influential First Lady who saved the portrait of George Washington during the War of 1812
Person
Gouverneur Morris
Constitutional Convention delegate who advocated a strong central government, abolition, and freedom of religion
Person