Historical Research Library

Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era. 

Singers and dancers focused on Chris Jackson playing George Washington

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Henry Knox, engraved by H. W. Smith, based on a painting by Edward Savage, ca. 1860 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Henry Knox

A poor bookseller in Boston who became a close confidant of George Washington, a general, and first Secretary of War

Person
Silhouette of Mrs. Henry Knox, ca. 1790 (Massachusetts Historical Society)

Lucy Knox

A daughter of eminent loyalists and wife of the Revolutionary War general Henry Knox

Person
Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, based on a painting by Alonzo Chappel (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Marquis de Lafayette

French nobleman and American general during the American Revolution who was a key figure in the Franco-American alliance

Person
Hand colored portrait engraving of a middle-age Dolley Madison, drawn by J. Heravring after J. Wood. ca 1830-1880 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Dolley Madison

The influential First Lady who saved the portrait of George Washington during the War of 1812

Person
Gouverneur Morris, engraving by J. Rogers (Wikimedia Commons)

Gouverneur Morris

Constitutional Convention delegate who advocated a strong central government, abolition, and freedom of religion

Person
Thomas Paine, by Romney Illman & Sons (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Thomas Paine

Author of “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man” who was influential in the American and French Revolutions

Person
Paul Revere, 1887 (Library of Congress)

Paul Revere

Boston patriot, famed for his “midnight ride,” whose art turned a local skirmish into a “Massacre”

Person