Historical Research Library Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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
Paul Revere Boston patriot, famed for his “midnight ride,” whose art turned a local skirmish into a “Massacre” Person
Philip Schuyler American general, influential New Yorker of Dutch descent, and father-in-law to Alexander Hamilton Person
Mercy Otis Warren Patriot, playwright, and poet who chronicled the American Revolution and corresponded with Revolutionary War leaders 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