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Alexander Hamilton Signature

Alexander Hamilton Signature

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Original newspaper printing of Washington’s Farewell Address.

 

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The Reynolds Pamphlet, written by Alexander Hamilton

 

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Printing of the Declaration of Independence.

 

History has its eyes on you! Don’t throw away your shot to learn more about the history behind “Hamilton,” and see how some of the amazing documents referenced in the hit Broadway musical ended up in Wisconsin.

Along with its expansive collection of state history, the Wisconsin Historical Society is also home to the United States’ largest library collection on the history of North America. This collection features extremely rare items from the American Revolution, including many items that play a pivotal role in the Lin-Manuel Miranda play, such as letters from Hamilton and Burr, Washington’s farewell address to the nation, early printings of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, and the infamous “Reynolds Pamphlet.” Learn more about each of these items below.

Letters from Hamilton, Washington, Burr, Jefferson and Madison

The Wisconsin Historical Society holds original letters written by all the signers of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, as well as all U.S. presidents and vice presidents. On display, are letters from Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.

Original newspaper printing of Washington’s Farewell Address

(Lyrics in One Last Time taken directly from this essay)During this era, newspapers were one of the major ways to spread information. When George Washington decided to abstain from seeking another presidential term, he asked Hamilton to assist him in writing a farewell essay. Printing the address in the Philadelphia Gazette was one of the best ways to inform the public. In the song One Last Time, Hamilton speaks and Washington sings nearly verbatim from the real Farewell Address.

“Observations on Certain Documents” contained in No. V & VI of “The History of the United States for the Year 1796,” in which the charge of speculation against Alexander Hamilton, late Secretary of the Treasury, is fully refuted.

(Written by Hamilton and better known as The Reynolds Pamphlet)Alexander Hamilton broke America’s first sex scandal when he wrote and published “Observations on Certain Documents.” In this pamphlet, Hamilton defended himself against charges of fraud by admitting to and giving (lurid) details about his affair with Maria Reynolds. The lyrics in the musical Hamilton often come directly from the pamphlet when he explains his frequent meetings with her in his own house.

Early printings of the Declaration of Independence at U.S. Constitution

Since newspapers were one of the quickest ways to spread the news in Revolutionary-era America, it’s no surprise that both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were immediately reprinted in several newspapers. The Wisconsin Historical Society holds a world-class collection of newspapers, which include early printings of both of these documents.