TIME Alexander Hamilton

Long considered the forgotten founding father and primarily known for the duel with Aaron Burr that ended his life, Alexander Hamilton has recently achieved a new level of fame because of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, inspired by the New York Times best-selling biography by acclaimed historian Ron Chernow.

Now the editors of TIME present this special edition that celebrates Hamilton and his many accomplishments: as one of the primary architects of the Constitution, an aide and counsel to General George Washington, and the first secretary of the Treasury, as well as his intense, long-standing rivalry with Thomas Jefferson and how it affects our government to this day. Also included in this fully illustrated edition are "Six Things You Didn't Know About Alexander Hamilton," an interview with Chernow, the making of the Broadway musical, why Hamilton's days on the $10 bill are numbered, and much more.

TIME brings keen insight to the improbable life of the illegitimate son of a Caribbean merchant who would go on to help shape our nation, lay the foundation for the modern economy, and become the inspiration for a musical that is inspiring Americans to interpret history in an entirely new way.