Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr (February 6, 1756 – September 14, 1836) was an American politician, lawyer, and Vice President of the United States. He served as the third Vice President from 1801 to 1805 under President Thomas Jefferson. Burr is perhaps best known for killing his political rival, Alexander Hamilton, in a famous duel in 1804.

Early Life

Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey, to a prominent family. His father was Aaron Burr, Sr., the second president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), and his mother, Esther Edwards Burr, was the daughter of Jonathan Edwards, a famous theologian. Burr graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1772 at the age of 16.

Career

After graduating, Burr began studying law, but his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. He joined the Continental Army and served with distinction. After the war, he resumed his law practice and quickly entered politics.

Burr's political career included serving in the New York State Assembly, as Attorney General of New York, and in the United States Senate. In 1800, he ran for President but tied with Thomas Jefferson in the electoral college. The House of Representatives decided the election, choosing Jefferson as President and Burr as Vice President.

Duel with Alexander Hamilton

The most infamous event of Burr's life was his duel with Alexander Hamilton. Tensions between the two had been growing for years, culminating in a duel on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey. Burr shot Hamilton, who died the next day. The duel ended Burr's political career.

Later Life and Death

After the duel, Burr faced murder charges in New York and New Jersey, but he was never tried. In 1807, he was arrested and tried for treason in a separate incident, accused of plotting to create an independent country in the center of North America. He was acquitted but his reputation was irreparably damaged.

Burr spent the last years of his life in relative obscurity, practicing law in New York City. He died on September 14, 1836, and was buried in Princeton, New Jersey.

Legacy

Aaron Burr's legacy is complex. He is remembered for his political achievements and his role in the early years of the United States. However, his duel with Hamilton and the treason trial have overshadowed much of his career.