Get to Know the Schuyler Sisters
If you know Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the famous Hamilton: The Musical, he is a fair reader of many books. Before he created the musical Hamilton, he impulsively read Alexander Hamilton’s story, combing through Ron Chernow’s biography of the Founding Father while he was on vacation in Mexico.
Have you gone through Hamilton: The Musical’s playlist? For instance, you may love the Schuyler sisters from their eponymous song, but how much of what Angelica narrates is true? Was Eliza’s love for Alexander as nuanced as we see on the stage hundreds of years ago? What about Peggy? So, what happened to her?
The three Schuyler sisters are the daughter of General Philip Schuyler, a prominent political figure in New York during the American Revolution.
Angelica Schuyler Church
Angelica was known for her wit and charm and her close relationship with her sister Elizabeth and her brother-in-law Alexander Hamilton.
There is some historical evidence of a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect between Alexander Hamilton and Angelica. They exchanged several letters for years in which they discussed various topics, including politics and their personal lives. Their correspondence is considered one of the most intellectually stimulating exchanges of the late 18th century.
In terms of Angelica’s true feelings, it’s difficult to say for sure. While some historians have suggested that Angelica may have had romantic feelings for Alexander, there is no definitive evidence to confirm this. She expresses admiration and affection for Alexander, but it is also possible that these feelings are deeply rooted.
At this period, it was not common for women to express romantic feelings openly outside marriage, so Angelica’s true feelings on the matter may never be known.
The musical “Hamilton” presents the relationship between Alexander and Angelica as more nuanced and a fictional representation rather than a historical one.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
She’s the wife of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the country’s first Secretary of the Treasury. She was known for her philanthropy and intense devotion to her husband, who died in a duel in 1804. Elizabeth outlived Alexander by 50 years and was an advocate for the establishment of the Hamilton Memorial in New York City.
Elizabeth was also the co-founder and leader of the Orphan Asylum Society in New York City. The society was established in 1806 and was one of the first orphanages in the United States. The organization was dedicated to providing care for orphaned and abandoned children in the city.
Philanthropy and dedication to helping others and was actively involved in society throughout Elizabeth’s life. Along with other prominent women in New York City, they worked to raise funds. They also find homes for the children and provide them with education. The Orphan Asylum Society continues to operate today under Graham Windham, which provides services for children and families in need.
She died in 1854 and was buried next to her husband at Trinity Church Cemetery.
Margaret “Peggy” Schuyler Van Rensselaer
Peggy was also a member of the Daughters of Liberty revolutionary society and a staunch supporter of the American Revolution. She also assisted her sister and Alexander in their charitable initiatives and was regarded as caring and sensitive.
In 1783, Peggy married Stephen Van Rensselaer III, a wealthy landowner, and politician. They had eight children and lived in a large estate called the Manor House in Albany, New York.
Although she’s not as well-known as her siblings, Peggy played a crucial part in New York social circles. Those who knew her remembered her as a kind and giving person.
And even though there are three sisters mentioned in the story. The Schuyler Family’s mother, Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, gave birth to 15 children, but only 8 survived their childhood. This is one of the few historical facts that has been altered for the sake of the show.
