Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
George Clinton, born in July 1739 on his family's farm in Ulster
County, New York, had a life spanning the final days of the British
colonial era through the early years of the new republic. He served as
witness to and leading actor in the events leading to the Declaration of
Independence and the Revolutionary War. In George Clinton: Master
Builder of the Empire State, John K. Lee brings new attention to New
York State's first governor. He focuses on Clinton's extraordinary military
exploits, detailing the victorious Sullivan-Clinton campaign against
the Six Nations, which paved the way for the surrender of Cornwallis
and ensured eventual American possession of western New York
lands. This engaging biography, enriched with an array of illustrations,
shines a bright light on an early American politician whose remarkable
vision and leadership powerfully shaped the Empire State.
Synopsis
Although overshadowed during the same period of history by luminaries such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, the less famous George Clinton played a major role in state and national politics. By gaining the respect and affection of his fellow compatriots, Clinton became New York's first governor. He served for twenty-one years before twice being elected vice president of the United States. Like his close friend George Washington, Clinton fought in the French and Indian War and then worked as a surveyor before becoming active in gaining the colonies' independence from England. Commissioned as a general in the Continental army as well as serving as New York's militia general, Clinton was responsible for controlling the Hudson River highlands, which was the key to preventing an English military victory.
After the war, Washington and Clinton toured the Mohawk River area, where together they purchased large tracts of land. Their close relationship continued through their lifetimes despite Clinton's stance as a prominent Anti-Federalist and champion of states' rights.
This concise biography, enriched with an array of illustrations, underscores the question posed by James B. Bell in his foreword: What would be the chronicle of American history without George Clinton's remarkable vision and leadership?