The Burr-Hamilton duel was a famous and fatal encounter between
Aaron Burr and
Alexander Hamilton, occurring on
July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey. The duel stemmed from a long-standing political and personal rivalry, culminating in a challenge issued by Burr after Hamilton publicly disparaged his character. Hamilton was fatally wounded and died the next day, effectively ending Burr's political career.
Accounts vary on whether Hamilton intentionally fired his shot into the air or missed due to involuntary movement after being shot by Burr, but it's widely accepted that Burr fired the fatal shot.
Burr's shot struck Hamilton in the abdomen, causing a mortal wound.
Burr faced public outrage and potential murder charges following Hamilton's death.
He fled to South Carolina to avoid prosecution, but the charges were eventually dropped.
Burr's political career was severely damaged, and he later faced treason charges for his involvement in a western conspiracy.
He was acquitted of treason but never fully recovered his reputation or political standing.
