Elizabeth Hamilton

What You Have in Common

Like Hamilton, you are

ready to put your family first
dedicated to setting the record straight
someone who learns through experience
a peacekeeper

Twenty-First-Century Perspective

Elizabeth Hamilton was patient. She outlived nearly everyone she loved . . . and those who she quietly despised. She was romantic and a good listener. You are like Elizabeth Hamilton because you are everyone’s favorite confidant, caretaker, and publicist.

Decorative graphic showing blue silhouettes, blue stars with red and white vertical bars

Archivist • Socialite • Philanthropist

1757–1854

New York

Elizabeth Hamilton was one of the American Revolution’s archivists. As the daughter of Philip Schuyler and wife of Alexander Hamilton, she had insider access and could preserve all sorts of Revolutionary documents. For example, she socialized with key players like the Washingtons. Alexander Hamilton’s letters included information about military matters, and she wrote out some of his letters for him.

After Alexander Hamilton’s death in 1804, Elizabeth Hamilton urged their son to write a biography of his father. She ensured that the Library of Congress preserved Hamilton’s papers.

Elizabeth Hamilton outlived most people from the Revolutionary generation. She worked with philanthropies such as the Orphan Asylum Society, where she was a cofounder and director. This organization provided shelter and education for orphaned and abandoned children.

“You engross my thoughts too intirely to allow me to think of any thing else—you not only employ my mind all day; but you intrude upon my sleep.”

Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Schuyler, October 5, 1780. Image: Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull, ca. 1792. National Gallery of Art.

“All his public and private papers were bequeathed to me for publication . . . [and] I have concluded, after mature consideration, to solicit the patronage of the representatives of the American people.”

Elizabeth Hamilton’s petition to Congress, January 12, 1846. Image: Portrait of Mrs. Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Ralph Earl, ca. 1787. Museum of the City of New York.