Alexander Hamilton and the Creation of the Capital Markets with David Cowen, President and CEO of the Museum of American Finance

Many who work today in finance take for granted that the U.S.’s robust markets exist – but how did they actually commence? In the latest Financial Narrative Meet the Members interactive webinar David Cowen, President and CEO of the Museum of American Finance, presented the backstory to Alexander Hamilton’s role in creating the U.S. capital markets.

Using original documents from the Museum’s vast collection (including land grants, letters documenting hyperinflation during the Revolutionary War, lottery tickets, and state papers) he showcased the plan that Alexander Hamilton created to build the financial system, and walked us through the origins of the American capital markets. Watch to learn more and test your own knowledge about Alexander Hamilton and the tumultuous process of building a viable financial system.

For more information about the Museum of American Finance and their upcoming events here and also read more in-depth about the beginnings of the US capital markets from David’s books: Alexander Hamilton on Finance, Credit, and Debt  and Financial Founding Fathers: The Men Who Made America Rich.

Note: Article originally published on May 17, 2021.