Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Patrick Henry
A leading figure in the Revolutionary era in Virginia, known for his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech
Person
Belinda, Patty Gipson, Jemima Hunt
Little-known figures in the fight for the abolition of slavery
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
James Madison
Fourth President of the United States known as the “Father of the Constitution”
Person
Dolley Madison
The influential First Lady who saved the portrait of George Washington during the War of 1812
Person
Margarita (Peggy) Schuyler Van Rensselaer
Youngest daughter of Philip Schuyler who married Stephen Van Rensselaer III, a wealthy and prominent New Yorker
Person
George Washington
The first President of the United States and a symbol of American independence and integrity
Person