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When Hamilton arrived in New York, the 13 colonies had been protesting British taxes and commercial regulations for years. New York City was a hotbed of contending political factions, pitting Patriots against pro-British Loyalists. While still a student at King's College (now Columbia University), Hamilton took up the Patriots' cause, writing his first political article in 1774 (he signed himself "A Friend to America"). After war broke out, in April 1775, he joined a militia company.
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| After the battles of Trenton and Princeton, the young Hamilton came to the attention of George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief, who made him a colonel on his staff. |
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| 1773 |
He enrolls at King's College (now Columbia University).
Parliament passes the Tea Act.
Boston Tea Party |
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Washington leads the charge at the Battle of Monmouth (1778) with Hamilton (in hat) riding close behind
Photo: The Monmouth County Historical Association
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| 1774 |
"A Full Vindication" is published.
Discontented colonists convene First Continental Congress |
| 1775 |
Hamilton publishes "The Farmer Refuted," a patriotic pamphlet.
Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill
George Washington is appointed commander in chief of the Continental forces.
Hamilton joins a militia company.
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| 1776 |
He is appointed captain of the Provincial Artillery and fights in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, and Trenton.
Declaration of Independence (read in New York on July 9)
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| 1777 |
Hamilton fights in the battles of Brandywine Creek, Germantown, and Princeton. He is appointed a lieutenant colonel on George Washington's staff. |
| 1778 |
He fights at the battle of Monmouth
France allies with United States |
| 1779 |
Hamilton writes to John Jay, suggesting that slaves be recruited to fight, and freed. |
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| 1780 |
He witnesses the exposure of Benedict Arnold's plot.
Hamilton marries Elizabeth (Eliza, Betsey) Schuyler. |
| 1780 |
Gen. Benedict Arnold plots to surrender West Point, and defects.
Maj. John Andre, Arnold's handler, is hanged. |
| 1781 |
Hamilton quarrels with Washington, and resigns from Washington's staff. Later, he reconciles with Washington, and fights at Yorktown.
Mutinies by unpaid American troops.
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