When Alexander Hamilton was born back in 1755, he was already behind the eight ball. Whispers of illegitimacy plagued him from birth as the product of a common law marriage between James Hamilton and the notorious Rachel Faucette (the only woman imprisoned at St. Croixâ??s Fort Christiansvaern for committing adultery). His father was no better. Known as the black sheep of the family, James Hamilton deserted his wife and children when Alexander was 10. Several years later, Alexander transitioned from bastard to orphan when his mother died.
In a true rags-to-riches story, Hamiltonâ??s ascent out of poverty and into the political limelight reveals that miracles do happen. Recently, his incredible life has been recounted in the hit musical Hamilton. Inspired by Ron Chernowâ??s biography on the first treasury secretary, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda brilliantly captures the highs and lows of this orphan boy who became a war hero, architect of Americaâ??s financial system, and George Washingtonâ??s confidante and indispensable aide. Chernowâ??s storytelling powers are formidable, and point, perhaps unbeknownst, to the greatest Storyteller of all.
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