Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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John Laurens
South Carolina officer and close friend of Alexander Hamilton who advocated abolition and recruitment of Black troops
Person
Gouverneur Morris
Constitutional Convention delegate who advocated a strong central government, abolition, and freedom of religion
Person
Hercules Mulligan
Irish immigrant who befriended Hamilton and served as a spy for Washington in British-held New York City
Person
Thomas Paine
Author of “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man” who was influential in the American and French Revolutions
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