Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Alexander Hamilton
A poor immigrant from the Caribbean who became a key figure in the Revolution and in establishing the US government
Person
George III
King of Great Britain viewed as a tyrant by colonists and a symbol of imperial rule
Person
Lemuel Haynes
African American clergyman and Revolutionary War veteran known for his writings on racial equality
Person
Patrick Henry
A leading figure in the Revolutionary era in Virginia, known for his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech
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
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
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
Gouverneur Morris
Constitutional Convention delegate who advocated a strong central government, abolition, and freedom of religion
Person