Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Sally Hemings
Enslaved woman in the household of Thomas Jefferson, who was likely the father of her six children
Person
David Humphreys
Revolutionary War veteran, poet, and abolitionist who advocated a new, uniquely American literature
Person
Belinda, Patty Gipson, Jemima Hunt
Little-known figures in the fight for the abolition of slavery
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
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
John Laurens
South Carolina officer and close friend of Alexander Hamilton who advocated abolition and recruitment of Black troops
Person
James Madison
Fourth President of the United States known as the “Father of the Constitution”
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