Research sheds light on Alexander Hamilton as slave owner A new research paper takes a swipe at the popular image of Alexander Hamilton as the abolitionist founding father, citing evidence that he was a slave trader and owner himselfALBANY, N.Y. -- A new research paper takes a swipe at the popular image of Alexander Hamilton as the abolitionist founding father, citing evidence he was a slave trader and owner himself. Hamilton is almost universally depicted as an abolitionist in popular modern works, from Ron Chernow’s 2004 biography, “Hamilton,” to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning show, “Hamilton: An American Musical.”But after poring over ledgers and correspondence of Hamilton and his wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Serfilippi, who works at the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in Albany, concluded that image falls short. When Hamilton married into the powerful Schuyler family in 1780, slavery was common among New York state’s elite. The historic site has done extensive research into the family’s so-called “servants” and incorporates it into its tours. Serfilippi said her research interest goes beyond debunking myths about Hamilton.

Source: ABC News November 11, 2020 06:11 UTC