Founding1804
Hamilton-Burr Duel
Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shot former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton, the architect of the American financial system and co-author of The Federalist Papers, died the following day at age 47.
Why It Matters
Hamilton's death was a profound loss for the young republic and helped turn public opinion against dueling. His contributions to the Constitution, financial system, and concept of federal power continue to shape American governance.