Alexander Hamilton helped build the new United States in many important ways. As first Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795), he created America’s financial system – paying off war debts, setting up taxes. He was one of the authors of the Federalist Papers – 51 essays explaining the advantages of the Constitution. 

Hamilton also helped to establish the First Bank of the United States (1791), creating a safe place for the government’s money and loans to grow the economy. Earlier, he served as aide to General Washington during the Revolution and was a member of the Continental Congress, fighting for independence.