Elizabeth Hamilton: Our country's founding mother

Elizabeth Hamilton (on the right) and Broadway actor Phillips Soo (on the left).

Hamilton has always been a well-esteemed Broadway musical, but has recently made a resurgence on social media. The musical follows the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton and his contribution to America's fight for independence. Equally significant, the musical follows another member of the Hamilton family, Elizabeth Hamilton. 

Elizabeth Hamilton grew up in Albany, New York, living comfortably as her father was a wealthy landowner. In 1780, she met her husband, Alexander Hamilton, and also her close friend, Martha Washington. During her marriage, Hamilton engaged in social activities, such as balls and theaters, while raising her eight children. 

Later in life, she experienced an immense amount of grief, losing her mother, father, siblings, and even her husband in the span of a couple of years. Hamilton decided to move to Washington D.C. and she joined the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children. Then, she moved back to New York where she founded the Orphan Asylum Society. Hamilton provided a home for many orphans by raising funds for the orphanage and helping take care of the children.

Hamilton preserved her husband's legacy by sorting through his writings and persuading Congress to purchase his works to be put in the Library of Congress. In her final years, Hamilton raised money for the construction of the Washington monument.

Elizabeth Hamilton's contributions to U.S. history will not be forgotten. Her actions of philanthropy are truly inspiring, as Hamilton’s orphanage continues to house children to do this day. Thanks to her efforts to defend her husband's legacy, Lin Manuel Miranda had sufficient information to create the musical we all know and love, Hamilton.