Today in History: Hamilton & Burr Duel

Pistols used by Hamilton and Burr
Today in History–July 11–the Library of Congress features the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that took place on this date in 1804 and resulted in the death of Hamilton. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to learn more about these two men and the once-legal practice of dueling.

The Burr and Hamilton duel, 11 July, 1804, at Weehawken, N.J. print

Transcripts of Hamilton’s correspondence with Aaron Burr and an account of the duel by William P. Van Ness

Gen. Hamilton’s Funeral! The National Intelligencer and Washington Advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 20 July 1804

Hamilton Burr duel historical newspaper coverage

My Beloved Eliza: The Final Letters from Alexander Hamilton to his Wife In Custodia Legis September 19, 2016

The Burr-Hamilton duel, with correspondence preceding same, etc (1889)

Hamilton & Burr periodical articles

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Dueled to the Death from America’s Library

So, you’ve been challenged to a duel. What are the rules? In Custodia Legis June 2, 2016

The Duel, an article from GW Magazine Fall 2005

The Duel PBS American Experience documentary website

Related resources