Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Figures in New York History
Peter Minuit
Sent from the Netherlands in 1626 to govern New Amsterdam, Peter Minuit
(1580-1638) was so disliked by his subjects that they welcomed British occupation.
Alexander Hamilton
Revolutionary leader and first Secretary of the
Treasury, Hamilton's (1755-1804) business-
friendlypolicieswereinstrumentalinNewYork's
emergence as the financial center of the U.S. He
lost his life in a duel with political opponent
Aaron Burr and is buried in Trinity Church
graveyard.
Alexander Hamilton
William “Boss” Tweed
The political leader of Tammany Hall, Tweed (1823-78) became the living embodi-
mentofpoliticalcorruption,kickbacks,andpayoffs.Itisestimatedthatheandhisas-
sociates took up to $200 million from the city. To hide his crime, he did good works,
building orphanages, public baths, and hospitals, but died in prison.
