I finally saw the musical Hamilton.
I thought it thought-provoking and original.
The catchy music, the amazing dancing, and the clever dialogue are delightful.
But I’m glad I knew the story beforehand.
Hamilton and the Revolutionary War
As seems to happen often in my life, I’d spent time with Alexander Hamilton the week before.
My daughter and I visited both Philadelphia’s Second Bank of the United States and The Museum of the American Revolution.
Alexander Hamilton is a topic at both.
The Second US Bank, an impressive structure halfway between Independence Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution, is a portrait gallery now.
It features paintings of prominent Colonial Americans done by Charles Peale. It’s a gallery of famous people–we’ve seen many of these portraits before.
My daughter, who loved the musical Hamilton, pretended to swoon.
(I also took her photo beside John Paul Jones–the father of the US Navy.)
Museum of the American Revolution
This fine museum was well worth the two hours we spent examining the exhibits. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Even as we walked in, I mentioned at least eight of my ancestors participated in the American Revolutionary War.
But then I remembered my daughter has another genealogical side.
by Gordon Makryllos (Wikipedia Commons)
One of her ancestors spent the war as a bodyguard to General George Washington!
So, at least nine ancestors for her.
It particularly hit home when we viewed the museum’s most proud possession: George Washington’s tent.
While I’m not big on owning artifacts, this one amazed me.
One of her ancestors stood outside that tent for six years of war.
And, of course, Hamilton also spent a lot of time in that tent working with the General.
Hamilton‘s war service
What does this have to do with Alexander Hamilton?
His fingerprints are all over the American Revolution.
As General George Washington’s aide-de-camp, he helped plan much of the Army’s movements.
As the musical points out, the illegitimate son of a planter and French woman wanted to distinguish himself in battle. He wanted to be famous, even if it meant his death in war.
by Alonzo Chappel
(Wikipedia Commons)
But Washington kept him close until the final major battle of Yorktown.
In the planning for the assault on Yorktown, Hamilton was given command of three battalions. Hamilton and his battalions fought bravely and took Redoubt No. 10 with bayonets in a nighttime action.
The French took Redoubt No. 9, forcing the British surrender of an entire army at Yorktown, Virginia, marking the de facto end of the war.
Wikipedia
Hamilton got his fame and went on to help establish the United States we know today.
Hamilton, the musical
Because I had tickets to the musical, my daughter and I pointed out Hamilton-related history as we wandered through Philadelphia.
Thanks to a friend, I’d already read My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie.
I’d written a paper about his relationship with Thomas Jefferson many years ago.
All that helped me understand the story, even as I grappled with catching the snappy lyrics.
It didn’t take long to recognize clever witticisms and asides that made me laugh out loud.
The story implies a long-running antagonism between Hamilton and Aaron Burr. It’s poignant.
(Someone pointed out to me today that Aaron Burr was also an orphan–and was thus raised by his grandfather, Jonathan Edwards!)
The men knew each other for years; they studied law together in Hamilton’s father-in-law’s library.
Up and coming, ambitious, both were brilliant and dedicated.
Certainly, their duel was a tragedy–for all involved.
But Hamilton, the musical, doesn’t pull any punches. A flawed man, for good reasons, the creator of the US Bank sought to do good.
I appreciate the brilliance of this musical, particularly the care Lin-Manuel Miranda took to balance the story based on Ron Chernow’s biography.
There’s a political angle for everyone in this musical
Which undoubtedly, is also true of the American Revolution.
I’m glad I saw the musical.
I’m even more thankful that my life has benefited from the sacrifice so many men, women, families, and my ancestors made 244 years ago.
Tweetables
Hamilton, the American Revolution and me. Click to Tweet
An American Revolution War’s descendent reflects on Hamilton. Click to Tweet
Your posts do so much for my history-loving heart, Michelle. I haven’t seen Hamilton but this tempts me. I’m not a fan of musicals but do think I would like this one for the reasons you mention. I’m also fascinated by all your patriots! As a DAR member, that’s my cup of tea. And it’s heartening that you know so much about them, more than most of us. I’ve often wished for more of a genealogical trail with mine beyond census records, land titles, grave markers, etc. Like you, Washington’s HQ tent resonates for some reason. Love how you said that ancestor stood outside that tent for so many years as bodyguard. What an incredible legacy. Thanks for the time and history you put into these posts! A day brightener!
Michelle In enjoyed this post very much. I read the book “My Deer Hamilton” and it is one of my favorite reads. That is interesting that you and your daughter have so many ancestors that formed our history. I too have ancestors that served in the American Revolution.
Joan