Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
Hamilton Grange National Memorial preserves the home of Alexander Hamilton. Built in 1802 on Hamilton’s land in Harlem, the mansion served as his family’s residence for just two short years—until his life was cut short in the infamous duel with Aaron Burr.
After Hamilton’s death, his political rivals tried to downplay—or even claim—his accomplishments. But his widow, Eliza, who outlived him by 50 years, devoted the rest of her life to preserving his legacy. For Women’s History Month, we joined a special tour of The Grange with the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society that focused on Eliza’s remarkable story.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was born into a wealthy family in upstate New York. Her father served as a general in George Washington’s army. She met Alexander Hamilton in Morristown while the army was encamped at her father’s home. They married there in 1780. Their marriage weathered the nation’s first sex scandal—when Alexander publicly admitted to adultery to dispel rumors of financial misconduct during his time as Treasury Secretary—and together they raised eight children.
Alexander Hamilton died deeply in debt, his home auctioned off. With help from her connections—and an inheritance from her father—Eliza bought back the Grange. She lived there for 30 years with several of her grown children before selling the house and moving to a townhouse downtown.
Eliza threw herself into charity work, helping to found New York City’s first orphanage. And she served as its director for 27 years. She also joined the widows of James Madison and John Adams in raising funds to build the Washington Monument.
Eliza tirelessly promoted Alexander’s legacy after his death, pushing to have his papers organized and published as a biography. She confronted President Monroe, demanding an apology for the accusations he’d made against Hamilton. And she staunchly defended Alexander’s authorship of Washington’s Farewell Address.
A week before the duel, Alexander wrote a note to Eliza.
“With my last idea; I shall cherish the sweet hope of meeting you in a better world. Adieu best of wives and best of women. Embrace all my darling children for me. Ever yours, A H.”
Hamilton Grange Posts➤
- Hamilton Grange National Memorial
- Hamilton Grange: Eliza Tour
Location: 414 W 141st St, New York, NY
Designation: National Memorial
Date designated/established: April 27, 1962
Date of my visit: August 23, 2014
