Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Thomas Jefferson on Manumitting Slaves, 1789
Letter sent from Paris reflecting on freeing slaves—revealing his conflicting beliefs on liberty and equality amid the revolution
Supporting Document
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, 1789
Autobiography detailing Olaudah Equiano’s enslavement, his journey to freedom, and fight against the slave trade
Key Document
Whiskey Rebellion, 1794
Pennsylvania farmers violently resisted a federal whiskey tax—illustrating the tensions between frontiersmen and the new government’s authority
Event
Hamilton-Burr Duel, 1804
A fatal confrontation between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that stemmed from political and personal animosities and shaped American political history
Event
Samuel Adams
One of the first Americans to challenge British rule and resist their policies in the 1760s and 1770s
Person
John Adams
A leading proponent of independence, a congressman, a diplomat, and the second President of the United States
Person
Theodosia Burr Alston
Daughter of Aaron Burr and prominent figure in early American society who disappeared at sea in 1813
Person
Angelica Schuyler Church
The charming, intelligent, politically active oldest daughter of Philip Schuyler and sister of Elizabeth Hamilton
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
Philip Hamilton
Eldest son of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton who died in a duel defending his father’s honor
Person