Alexander Hamilton's Traveling Writing Desk

Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton’s thick mahogany travel desk was made to stand up to constant use. It unfolds in the center to provide a large, slanted writing surface and includes a side drawer and slots for writing accoutrements. The English-made desk dates to sometime between 1780 and 1804, the end of Hamilton’s life. Hamilton’s writing box remained with his descendants until they presented it to the National Museum in 1916.