The Swimming Upstream Radio Show kicks off 2026 with a tribute to the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton with the co-author of the new book Destined to be a Hamilton, Helena Reynolds. She wrote the work with Mary Anne Hamilton, the great-great granddaughter-in-law of the man himself.
Reynolds discusses the contributions Hamilton made to American history, his romance with his wife Eliza and the impact of his financial vision for the United States. The conversation also touches on the tragic duel with Aaron Burr that ended his life and his legacy today through cultural connections like the popular Broadway musical bearing his name.
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Takeaways
- Hamilton’s legacy is celebrated through various mediums today.
- His early life was marked by hardship and resilience.
- Hamilton’s romance with Eliza was both passionate and tumultuous.
- He played a crucial role in shaping the U.S. financial system.
- Hamilton’s writings continue to influence legal interpretations today.
- The duel with Burr was a tragic end to his life.
- Hamilton’s contributions to the Coast Guard are often overlooked.
- Eliza Hamilton preserved her husband’s legacy after his death.
- Modern efforts to revive Hamilton’s legacy are ongoing.
- The conversation highlights the importance of historical figures in contemporary culture.
Chapters
- 00:00 Splashing into History: The Legacy of Hamilton
- 02:54 Hamilton’s Early Life and Rise to Prominence
- 05:03 A Revolutionary Romance: Hamilton and Eliza
- 08:00 Hamilton’s Legal and Political Genius
- 10:20 The Architect of America’s Financial System
- 13:46 Tragedy and Legacy: The Duel with Burr
- 20:27 Reviving Hamilton’s Legacy: The Modern Connection