How accurate is Hamilton?

Broadway's Hamilton is an absolute sensation. The streaming service Disney Plus released a filmed version of the stage production on July 3, 2020, and America tuned in. 

On stage, it's won 11 Tonys, a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. But even though this smash hit is based on historical events, the creators got a few things wrong and took some creative liberties. Here's a look at Hamilton in fact and fiction.

Fact: Born a bastard

Hamilton indeed was born out of wedlock, his father abandoning the family soon after his birth.

Fact: Hamilton an immigrant

Hamilton was born in the West Indies, and his boss there helped fund the young man's move to the United States when he realized how intelligent and gifted our future "$10 Founding Father" was.

Fiction: Forefather demographics

Of course, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and America's other famous Founding Fathers were white men, while the cast playing them is multiracial. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has said the casting of minorities in lead roles was a conscious choice.

Fact: Hamilton against slavery

Hamilton was an abolitionist, but some historians say his views were heightened in the play to make him more of a hero.

Fact: Washington's aide

During the Revolutionary War, Washington hired Hamilton to be his aide, just as he does in the musical.

Fiction: Angelica's romantic prospects

In Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler says she must marry rich and, thus, can't marry Hamilton. In truth, Schuyler already was married when the two met.

Pictured here, Renee Elise Goldsberry won a Tony for her portrayal of Angelica Schuyler.

Fiction: Schuyler siblings

In the show, Angelica says she has no brothers. In real life, the Schuyler sisters had two brothers.

Fact: First treasury secretary

When Washington became president, he chose Hamilton to be America's first treasury secretary, just as the musical depicts.

Fiction: Hamilton fired

When John Adams became president, he did not fire Hamilton, as he does in the musical. In real life, Hamilton quit before Adams was elected.

Fact: Hamilton's affair

In real life, Hamilton did indeed have an affair with Maria Reynolds, who memorably seduces Hamilton on stage.

Jasmine Cephas Jones, pictured here during the 2016 Tony Awards, plays Maria Reynolds.

Fact: Exposed on paper

A pamphlet published in 1797 alluded to Hamilton's infidelity and accused him of a financial scheme. As portrayed on stage, Hamilton responded by publishing his own pamphlet, confessing to the affair with Reynolds.

Fact: Sex scandal

Hamilton was cornered into publicly admitting to having the affair, ruining his reputation.

Fact: Duel to the death

Both on Broadway and in history, Aaron Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel, ultimately killing him when they faced off with pistols in Weehawken, New Jersey.

Fiction: Timing of death

That said, the shooting did not happen right after Burr's failed run for president in 1800. It occurred in 1804, after Burr, then vice president, ran for governor of New York (and lost).