Burr–Hamilton duel facts for kids

Painting of Alexander Hamilton duelling with Aaron Burr

The Burr–Hamilton duel was a famous fight between two important American politicians. It happened on July 11, 1804. The two men were Alexander Hamilton, who used to be the country's first Secretary of the Treasury, and Aaron Burr, who was the Vice President at the time. Their long-standing disagreement led to this duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. During the duel, Burr shot Hamilton. Hamilton was badly hurt and died the next day. This event greatly changed Burr's political future.

What Was the Burr-Hamilton Duel?

A duel was a formal fight, usually with pistols or swords, between two people who felt their honor had been insulted. Duels were common in the 1700s and early 1800s, but they were very dangerous. The Burr-Hamilton duel is one of the most well-known duels in American history. It showed how intense political disagreements could become in the early days of the United States.

Who Were Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr?

Alexander Hamilton was a very important person in early American history. He helped write the Constitution and was the first Secretary of the Treasury. This means he was in charge of the country's money and economy. He was a strong supporter of a powerful national government.

Aaron Burr was also a key figure. He was a lawyer and politician from New York. At the time of the duel, he was the Vice President of the United States. This role is second only to the President. Burr was known for his political skills and ambition.

Why Did They Duel?

Hamilton and Burr had a long and difficult relationship. They were often political rivals, especially in New York. They disagreed on many issues and often worked against each other.

Their rivalry became very heated during the 1804 New York governor's election. Burr ran for governor, but Hamilton spoke out against him. Hamilton said Burr was not fit to lead. Burr lost the election. After this, Burr felt that Hamilton had insulted his honor and ruined his political career. He challenged Hamilton to a duel.

The Day of the Duel

The duel took place on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey. This spot was often used for duels because it was across the Hudson River from Manhattan. This made it easier to avoid the laws against dueling in New York.

Hamilton and Burr met early in the morning. Each man had a "second" with him. A second was a friend who helped arrange the duel and made sure the rules were followed. The rules of dueling were very strict.

What Happened After the Duel?

During the duel, Burr fired his pistol and hit Hamilton. Hamilton was seriously wounded. He was taken across the river to a friend's house in Manhattan. He died the next day, on July 12, 1804.

Hamilton's death was a huge shock to the young nation. Dueling was becoming less popular, and many people were upset by what happened. Aaron Burr faced legal trouble after the duel. Even though dueling was sometimes accepted, killing someone in a duel could still lead to charges. The duel effectively ended Burr's political career. He finished his term as Vice President but never held a major political office again.

The Burr-Hamilton duel remains a famous and tragic event in American history. It highlights the intense political rivalries and the changing social customs of the early 1800s.

Images for kids

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  Philip Schuyler, Hamilton's father-in-law.

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  Morgan Lewis, endorsed by Hamilton, defeated Burr in the 1804 New York gubernatorial election.

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  This July 31, 1804 article reviewed the extended series of communications between Burr and Hamilton leading up to the duel, and criticized the "barbarous custom" of dueling.

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  The Wogdon & Barton pistols used in the duel

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  This July 25, 1804 article reflected extreme lamentation over Hamilton's death, and described the plan for his funeral procession and other tributes, including a 30-day wearing of a commemorative black armband ("crape") by members of the Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania of which Hamilton had been President General.

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  The boulder where Hamilton may have rested

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  A bust of Hamilton from 1935

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  1804 Anti-dueling sermon by an acquaintance of Alexander Hamilton

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  Opening text of 1804 sermon

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  Anti-Dueling Association of New York pamphlet, Remedy, 1809

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  Resolutions, Anti-Dueling Association of N.Y., from Remedy pamphlet, 1809

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  Address to the electorate, from Remedy pamphlet

See also

In Spanish: Duelo Burr-Hamilton para niños