Nevisian Born Alexander Hamilton – US Statesman
Charlestown, Nevis
January 14, 2009
U.S. Statesman, Nevisian-born, Alexander Hamilton was remembered with a wreath laying ceremony in New York on Monday. Hamilton, an economist and political philosopher, was one of America’s first constitutional lawyers.
Former Director of St. Kitts Tourism-New York office , Robert Kelly and Bowling Green Association President, Arthur Piccolo coordinated the event in remembrance of Hamilton’s birthday, January 11th.
The ceremony began with the symbolic raising of the St. Kitts – Nevis flag at Bowling Green. A presentation was also made by Marketing Director, Selma Brown, of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
Brief remarks were offered by Vicar Ann Maloney, who addressed those gathered in remembrance of Hamilton. She remarked that he was Americas’ Greatest Immigrant, an inspiration and a pioneer. Notable persons in attendance were: Nevisian-born Edmund Sadio of Century 21 Realty in Brooklyn and founder of the American Museum of Finance, John Herzog.
A confidante to General George Washington, Hamilton led three battalions at the siege of Yorktown. He was elected to the Continental Congress, but resigned to practice law and to become the founder of the Bank of New York. It is interesting to note that he was the only representative from New York who signed the constitution.
In 1801, Hamilton founded the New York Post, a daily newspaper which is still in production today.
An intense rivalry with Vice President, Aaron Burr resulted in a duel, in which Hamilton was badly wounded and died the following day.
Today, a museum is constructed in his honor at his boyhood home in Charlestown, Nevis.