ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Statue of “Father of the Treasury” Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton County

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue honoring Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton County, continuing Florida's commemoration of the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary and recognizing Hamilton's lasting contributions to the American Republic and to Florida's early history. The statue, located in White Springs along the banks of the historic Suwannee River, is part of a broader initiative to install monuments to America's Founding Fathers in Florida counties that bear their names.

"I was proud to unveil a new statue of Hamilton County's namesake, Alexander Hamilton," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "His participation in the fight for independence, his contributions to writing the Federalist Papers, his public service as a diplomat and 'Father of the Treasury,' and his role as a confidante to George Washington made Hamilton an indispensable figure in our nation's history."

"Installing a statue of Alexander Hamilton in the county named after him is a fitting tribute to the Founding Father who was the most vocal about Florida's vital importance to America's destiny," said America250FL Chair and Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "Florida is number one in the nation when it comes to celebrating our 250th anniversary with events planned throughout 2026."

"Florida honors our nation and its history, and we welcome this new monument of Alexander Hamilton in our Founding Father statue series," said Bryan Griffin, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. "This is yet another reason that Florida is the best destination to celebrate America, all year long. We invite travelers to come experience our numerous historical sites around the state and join us in enthusiastically commemorating our nation's 250th birthday."

Hamilton distinguished himself early in the American Revolution, joining the New York militia in 1775 and serving as an artillery officer in several key battles. In 1777, General George Washington appointed Hamilton as his aide-de-camp, making him one of Washington's most trusted advisors. Hamilton later commanded American forces during the decisive Battle of Yorktown, which helped secure American victory and independence.

Following the war, Hamilton became a leading advocate for a stronger national government. As the principal author of The Federalist Papers, he wrote 51 of the 85 essays defending the ratification of the United States Constitution.

President George Washington later appointed Hamilton as the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, where he established the foundations of the American financial system by stabilizing public credit, promoting domestic industry, and creating a national banking system. Hamilton also founded the Revenue Cutter Service, which later evolved into the modern United States Coast Guard.

Hamilton also recognized the strategic importance of Florida to the future of the United States. As a congressional delegate from New York, he advocated for American access to the Mississippi River and supported the acquisition of Florida from Spain. His diplomatic efforts helped shape Pinckney's Treaty of 1795, which established the boundary between Spanish Florida and the United States-a border that still separates Florida and Georgia today.

Hamilton's legacy in Florida continued after the United States acquired the territory through the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819. President James Monroe later appointed Hamilton's son, Alexander Hamilton Jr., as U.S. district attorney for East Florida, where he helped establish the territory's early legal framework. In recognition of the family's influence and Hamilton's contributions to the nation, Hamilton County was established in 1827 and named in his honor.

About America 250 Florida
Today's unveiling is part of Florida's broader initiative to honor the individuals who shaped our nation over the past 250 years and to preserve America's civic pride and heritage for future generations.

America 250 Florida marks the state's official observance of America's semiquincentennial and will host and help sponsor special events throughout the year for Floridians from all corners of the state to enjoy. Floridians can find information on events, exhibits, heritage sites, and participation opportunities at America250FL.com, the state's official hub for the Semiquincentennial celebration.

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