Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Absalom Jones
Abolitionist, religious leader, and founder of the first Black Episcopal church in the United States
Person
Cuffee Wells, Romeo Smith, Peter Kiteredge
Black soldiers who fought for American independence as well as their rights as free men
Person
Henry Knox
A poor bookseller in Boston who became a close confidant of George Washington, a general, and first Secretary of War
Person
Lucy Knox
A daughter of eminent loyalists and wife of the Revolutionary War general Henry Knox
Person
John Laurens
South Carolina officer and close friend of Alexander Hamilton who advocated abolition and recruitment of Black troops
Person
Dolley Madison
The influential First Lady who saved the portrait of George Washington during the War of 1812
Person
Paul Revere
Boston patriot, famed for his “midnight ride,” whose art turned a local skirmish into a “Massacre”
Person
Margarita (Peggy) Schuyler Van Rensselaer
Youngest daughter of Philip Schuyler who married Stephen Van Rensselaer III, a wealthy and prominent New Yorker
Person
Mercy Otis Warren
Patriot, playwright, and poet who chronicled the American Revolution and corresponded with Revolutionary War leaders
Person
George Washington
The first President of the United States and a symbol of American independence and integrity
Person
Martha Washington
The nation’s first “First Lady,” who married George Washington in 1759 when she was a wealthy young widow
Person
Phillis Wheatley
First published African American female author and supporter of American independence
Person