37 Facts About Hercules Mulligan

Who Was Hercules Mulligan?

Hercules Mulligan, a name that sounds like it belongs to a superhero, was indeed a hero of the American Revolution. He played a crucial role as a spy, tailor, and patriot. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this remarkable figure.

1. Born in Ireland: Mulligan was born in Coleraine, Ireland, on September 25, 1740. His family moved to New York City when he was six years old.

2. Educated at King's College: He attended King's College, now known as Columbia University, where he developed a strong network of influential friends.

3. Became a Tailor: After college, Mulligan became a successful tailor. His shop was frequented by British officers, which later helped him gather intelligence.

4. Friendship with Alexander Hamilton: Mulligan met Alexander Hamilton in 1773. Hamilton lived with Mulligan while attending King's College, and they became close friends.

5. Joined the Sons of Liberty: Mulligan was an active member of the Sons of Liberty, a group that opposed British policies and taxes.

6. Married Elizabeth Sanders: In 1773, he married Elizabeth Sanders, the niece of Admiral Charles Sanders of the British Royal Navy.

Mulligan's Role in the American Revolution

Hercules Mulligan's contributions to the American Revolution were significant. His position as a tailor allowed him to gather valuable information from British officers.

7. Spy for the Continental Army: Mulligan used his tailor shop to gather intelligence from British officers, which he then passed on to the Continental Army.

8. Saved George Washington Twice: Mulligan is credited with saving George Washington's life on two occasions by providing crucial intelligence about British plans.

9. Arrested by the British: He was arrested by the British on suspicion of espionage but was released due to lack of evidence.

10. Code Name "Hercules": His code name in the spy network was simply "Hercules," which added to his legendary status.

11. Worked with the Culper Spy Ring: Mulligan collaborated with the Culper Spy Ring, one of the most effective espionage networks during the Revolution.

12. Used Tailor Shop as a Safe House: His shop served as a safe house for American spies and soldiers.

Life After the Revolution

After the American Revolution, Mulligan continued to live a fascinating life, contributing to the new nation in various ways.

13. Continued Tailoring: He continued his tailoring business, which remained successful even after the war.

14. Friendship with Washington: George Washington visited Mulligan's shop after becoming the first President of the United States, a testament to their enduring friendship.

15. Active in Politics: Mulligan remained active in politics, supporting the Federalist Party and advocating for a strong central government.

16. Member of the New York Manumission Society: He was a member of the New York Manumission Society, which worked to abolish slavery.

17. Lived to 80: Mulligan lived a long life, passing away on March 4, 1825, at the age of 84.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Hercules Mulligan's legacy continues to be celebrated, especially in popular culture.

18. Mentioned in Hamilton: Mulligan gained renewed fame through the musical "Hamilton," where he is portrayed as a close friend and ally of Alexander Hamilton.

19. Statue in New York: A statue of Mulligan stands in New York City, commemorating his contributions to the American Revolution.

20. Historical Tours: His life and contributions are highlighted in historical tours of New York City, particularly those focusing on Revolutionary War history.

21. Books and Articles: Numerous books and articles have been written about Mulligan, exploring his life and impact on American history.

22. Descendants: His descendants continue to honor his legacy, participating in historical reenactments and events.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts that add more color to Mulligan's already fascinating story.

23. Fluent in French: Mulligan was fluent in French, which helped him gather intelligence from French-speaking British officers.

24. Horse Racing Enthusiast: He was an avid horse racing enthusiast and often attended races in New York.

25. Owned Slaves: Despite his later involvement in the abolitionist movement, Mulligan owned slaves earlier in his life, reflecting the complex history of many Founding Fathers.

26. Fashion Innovator: Known for his stylish and innovative designs, Mulligan was considered one of the top tailors in New York City.

27. Nickname "Herc": Friends and family often called him "Herc," a fitting nickname for someone with such a heroic legacy.

28. Buried in Trinity Churchyard: Mulligan is buried in the Trinity Churchyard in New York City, the same cemetery where Alexander Hamilton is interred.

29. Masonic Member: He was a member of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization that included many other prominent figures of the time.

30. Helped Draft the Constitution: While not a delegate, Mulligan's political influence and connections helped shape the discussions around the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

31. Patriot's Reward: After the war, Mulligan received a pension from the Continental Congress as a reward for his services.

32. Tailor to the Stars: His clientele included not just British officers but also prominent American figures, making his shop a hub of political and social activity.

33. Secret Messages in Clothes: Mulligan sometimes sewed secret messages into the linings of clothes he made for British officers, a clever way to pass information.

34. Influence on Hamilton's Policies: His discussions with Hamilton influenced some of the latter's policies, particularly those related to trade and commerce.

35. Advocate for Veterans: Mulligan was a strong advocate for veterans' rights, helping many former soldiers secure pensions and land grants.

36. Cultural Icon: Over time, Mulligan has become a cultural icon, representing the bravery and ingenuity of American patriots.

37. Inspiration for Future Generations: His story continues to inspire future generations, reminding them of the importance of courage, loyalty, and patriotism.

The Legacy of Hercules Mulligan

Hercules Mulligan's life was nothing short of extraordinary. As a spy during the American Revolution, he played a crucial role in gathering intelligence that helped shape the nation's future. His friendship with Alexander Hamilton and his daring acts of espionage made him a key figure in the fight for independence. Mulligan's story reminds us that heroes come in many forms, often working behind the scenes to make a significant impact. His legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to value courage, loyalty, and ingenuity. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the past, Hercules Mulligan's tale is a testament to the power of individuals in shaping the course of history. So next time you think about the American Revolution, remember the tailor who became a hero.