Did Alexander Hamilton Actually Have Nice Eyes?

Historical accounts suggest that Alexander Hamilton was indeed physically appealing, with many contemporaries remarking on his striking features. One of the most notable was his eye color, often described as violet or nearly purple. Let's delve into the historical records and the popular narrative surrounding Hamilton's stunning eyes.

Historical Accounts and Descriptions

According to biographer Ron Chernow, Alexander Hamilton was praised for his striking violet eyes, a feature that was frequently mentioned in the writings of his contemporaries. These accounts suggest that Hamilton's eyes were not just blue or violet, but almost purple, making them a standout characteristic. His eyes were described as expressive and attractive, a combination that went well with his ruddy complexion, likened to 'peaches and cream.'

Physical Description of Founding Fathers

The physical appearance of the Founding Fathers is often a topic of interest. Here is a detailed look at the visual attributes of these historical figures:

1. John Adams

John Adams, known for his diplomatic efforts and his role in the American Revolution, had fine brown hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, his physical attributes were decidedly average of the era.

**Attributes:**Hair color: Fine brown hairEye color: Blue eyesSkin tone: PaleHeight: 5 feet 6 inches

2. James Madison

James Madison, often referred to as the "Sickly Short Founder," was characterized by his blue eyes, brown hair, and pale skin. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches, his stature was notably shorter than some of his contemporaries.

**Attributes:**Hair color: BrownEye color: BlueSkin tone: WhiteHeight: 5 feet 4 inches

3. James Monroe

James Monroe, known for his role in the Monroe Doctrine, had dark brown or black hair, blue-gray eyes, and white skin. He stood at 6 feet, making him taller than many of his contemporaries.

**Attributes:**Hair color: Dark brown/blackEye color: Blue-graySkin tone: WhiteHeight: 6 feet

4. Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, a multifaceted individual known for his contributions to science, politics, and literature, had blond or light brown hair, grey eyes, and white skin. He stood at a height of 5 feet 9 inches.

**Attributes:**Hair color: Blond/light brownEye color: GreySkin tone: WhiteHeight: 5 feet 9 inches

5. George Washington

George Washington, the first president of the United States, was described as having dark brown hair, blue-gray eyes, and pale skin. He was an imposing figure, standing at 6 feet 2 inches.

**Attributes:**Hair color: Dark brownEye color: Blue-graySkin tone: PaleHeight: 6 feet 2 inches

6. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, known for his contributions to architecture, science, and the Declaration of Independence, had reddish-blonde hair, hazel eyes, and a peachy skin tone. Standing at 6 feet 2.5 inches, he was of average height for the era.

**Attributes:**Hair color: ReddishEye color: HazelSkin tone: PeachyHeight: 6 feet 2.5 inches

7. Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton, renowned for his role in establishing the first National Bank, was praised for his striking appearance, particularly his violet-blue eyes. This eye color was often remarked upon in various historical records and writings of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

**Attributes:**Hair color: Auburn-redEye color: Violet blueSkin tone: Peaches and creamHeight: 5 feet 7 inches

Conclusion

While historical accounts provide a glimpse into the appearance of Alexander Hamilton, his violet-blue eyes certainly contributed to his striking and memorable physical presence. These descriptions, often subjective in nature, suggest that his unique eyes were a fundamental aspect of his appearance and may have played a role in his appeal to his contemporaries.