Hamilton facts for kids

Hamilton is a name that can mean many different things! It's often a surname (a family name) or a place name. It can also refer to famous people, places, or even a very popular musical.

Famous People Named Hamilton

Many important people have had the name Hamilton. Here are a few:

Alexander Hamilton: A Founding Father

Alexander Hamilton, a key figure in early American history.

Alexander Hamilton (born around 1755, died 1804) was a very important person in the early history of the United States. He was one of the "Founding Fathers" who helped create the country.

He was born in the Caribbean and came to America as a young man. During the American Revolutionary War, he became a trusted helper to General George Washington. After the war, he played a big part in writing the United States Constitution.

President George Washington later chose Alexander Hamilton to be the first Secretary of the Treasury. This meant he was in charge of the country's money and economy. He helped set up the first national bank and the U.S. Mint. His face is on the ten-dollar bill today!

William Rowan Hamilton: A Brilliant Scientist

William Rowan Hamilton (1805–1865) was an amazing Irish scientist. He was a physicist, astronomer, and mathematician.

He made huge discoveries in mathematics, especially in a field called "quaternions." These are special numbers used in areas like computer graphics and physics. He also developed important ideas in physics, like "Hamiltonian mechanics," which helps us understand how things move.

Other Important Hamiltons

• The Duke of Hamilton is a very old and important title in Scotland. It's like being a very high-ranking noble.
• Clan Hamilton is a historic Scottish family group. Clans are traditional family networks in Scotland.
• The name Hamilton is a common surname, especially in Scotland and the United Kingdom. Many people around the world share this family name.

Places Called Hamilton

Many cities, towns, and even islands around the world are named Hamilton. Here are some of the most well-known:

Hamilton in North America

• Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: This is a large city in Canada, located on Lake Ontario. It's known for its steel industry and beautiful waterfalls.
  • Hamilton Harbour is a part of Lake Ontario near the city.
• Hamilton, Bermuda: This is the capital city of Bermuda, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It's a popular tourist spot with colorful buildings and beautiful beaches.
• Hamilton, Ohio, United States: This city is located in the state of Ohio. It's known for its historic architecture and arts scene.
• Many other towns and cities across the United States are also named Hamilton, including places in Alabama, Illinois, Texas, and New York.

Hamilton in Oceania

• Hamilton, New Zealand: This is a major city on the North Island of New Zealand. It's located on the Waikato River and is a center for farming and education.
• Hamilton, Victoria, Australia: A town in the state of Victoria, known for its wool industry.
• Hamilton Island, Australia: A beautiful island in Queensland, Australia, part of the Whitsunday Islands. It's a popular vacation destination.

Hamilton in the United Kingdom

• Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland: This is a historic town in Scotland. It was renamed in the 15th century and has a rich history.
  • The Hamilton Mausoleum is a famous building in Hamilton, Scotland. It's known for having one of the longest echoes in the world!
  • Hamilton Palace was a grand palace built in the 1600s near the town, but it was taken down in 1927.

Arts and Entertainment

• Hamilton (musical): This is a hugely popular Broadway musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It tells the story of Alexander Hamilton's life using hip-hop, R&B, pop, and traditional show tunes. It has won many awards and is loved by people all over the world.
  • The Hamilton (album) is the official soundtrack from the musical.
  • The Hamilton Mixtape features different artists performing songs inspired by the musical.

Other Uses of Hamilton

• United States ten-dollar bill: As mentioned, Alexander Hamilton's picture is on the front of the U.S. ten-dollar bill.
• Hamilton (schooner): This was the name of an American ship used during the War of 1812.

See also

• Hamilton Branch (disambiguation)
• Hamilton Creek (disambiguation)
• Hamilton Township (disambiguation)
• Hamiltonian (disambiguation)