Hamilton’s Landmark Manufacturing Document Celebrated 225 Years Later

Congressional resolution and National Archives display honor report's anniversary

Exactly 225 years ago on Dec. 5, 1791, Alexander Hamilton presented his Report on the Subject of Manufactures to Congress. Although it’s less known than some of his other works, the report included many ideas for manufacturing policy that are still relevant today.

Recognizing its value, Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced a congressional resolution on Monday celebrating Hamilton's report and highlighting the ongoing need for a strong manufacturing sector. Sen. Coons also took to Twitter to announce that the National Archives will display the report's original text. Visitors will be able to see the document until the end of January 2017.

Said Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul:

"The Report on the Subject of Manufactures is not core curriculum in American economics departments. It’s a document most Americans don’t even know about. It didn’t even merit a line in the Broadway musical.

"But thanks to the good offices of Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a strong advocate for manufacturing policy, several pages of the report are on public display at the National Archives, on a wall adjacent to the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.

"The Report on Manufactures sparked an economic revolution and provided a framework for America's economic success. Many elements are still relevant today, including the importance of infrastructure investment, a defense industrial base, patents and innovation, and the role of trade policy."

To learn more about Hamilton's report and views on economic policy, visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Hamilton.