Fort Schuyler Magazine

CAMPUS NEWS

Dr. Mark Meirowitz Interviews Douglas Hamilton, 5x Great-Grandson of Alexander Hamilton

SUNY Maritime College observed Constitution Day on September 20, with a webinar presentation by Douglas Hamilton, the five times great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s most influential founding fathers. Douglas Hamilton is a descendant of Philip Schuyler, for whom Fort Schuyler at Maritime College was named and who served as a Major General in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Philip Schuyler

was the father-in-law of Alexander Hamilton, who was married to Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. Douglas Hamilton discussed his illustrious family and the exploration of his personal family history, providing insight into Alexander Hamilton, his life and significant contribution to our nation. Dr. Mark Meirowitz, Humanities Professor had an opportunity to interview Douglas Hamilton after the webinar.

Dr. Meirowitz: How did you first became aware of your distinguished great-grandfather? Douglas Hamilton: As a youngster, I remember spending a week with my Hamilton grandparents. My grandmother gave me a coloring book about George Washington and the American Revolutionary War, which included a picture of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. She explained who my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th great grandparents were, as well as my 5th great grandfather, Alexander Hamilton. She also told me my 6th great grandfather was Philip Schuyler. This was the beginning of my understanding of genealogy and the history made by my Hamilton and Schuyler ancestors. Dr. Meirowitz: Fort Schuyler at SUNY Maritime College is named in honor of Major General Philip Schuyler, a Revolutionary war hero. Tell me about Major General Philip Schuyler. Douglas Hamilton: Philip Schuyler was selected by the Second Continental Congress to serve as a Major General assigned to head the Northern

Department of Washington’s army. In that capacity, he had to raise an army in New York and protect the northern border from incursions by the British. During the 1779-1780 winter quarters, Schuyler ’s family met in Morristown and in the early months of 1780, Hamilton and Schuyler ’s second daughter Elizabeth met at a dinner party and fell in love. Although Hamilton was not from the high class of the Schuylers, Philip embraced Hamilton as his future son-in-law.

10 Fall 2022 Fort Schuyler