How Did Alexander Hamilton Die?

INTRODUCTION

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were two important men during the start of our country. Hamilton and Burr were both Founding Fathers of the United States of America.

Aaron Burr was the third Vice President of the United States from 1801 to 1805, when Thomas Jefferson was the President.

Alexander Hamilton was the founder of the United States banking system and the Treasury Secretary for President George Washington.

But these two men were bitter enemies which would lead to a deadly duel in 1804.

BEFORE THE DUEL

When Aaron Burr ran for President in 1800, Alexander Hamilton wrote about Burr being wicked and that he only loved himself. He also said if Burr was elected president, he would hurt the country.

Burr was not elected president, due to Hamilton’s attacks. This allowed Thomas Jefferson to become president. Burr was upset because Hamilton kept him from being re-elected for Vice-President.

Hamilton also stopped Burr from being the Governor of New York in 1804. When Burr found out about Hamilton’s insults against him, everyone knew they were fighting. Burr blamed Hamilton again for his defeat. He thought Hamilton calling him names ruined his chances of becoming Governor of New York.

Burr was so angry that he didn’t want to talk through their differences. Burr asked Hamilton to apologize or fight in a duel. Hamilton wasn’t going to apologize for what he said. He accepted the duel. Hamilton and Burr both said goodbye to their family before the duel. They knew it might be the last time they saw their loved ones.

DURING THE DUEL

The men took separate boats from New York City to Weehawken, New Jersey in the early morning. Each of the men brought a second with them. A second is like an assistant.

Before the duel started, Hamilton put on spectacles because the sun was in his eyes. They waited for the second to say "Fire!"

Burr’s shot hit Hamilton above his right hip. Hamilton dropped to the ground. A bullet may have been shot at Burr when Hamilton fell, but it went past Burr and into a tree branch.

AFTER THE DUEL

Alexander Hamilton was taken to a friend’s house back in New York. Hamilton wanted to see his family, but when they arrived he was unconscious. He died on July 12, 1804 at two o’clock in the afternoon. Now Hamilton’s name and face are all over. He became even more famous after his death. He is even on our ten-dollar bill. More than 200 years after his death, Alexander Hamilton is also the star subject of a famous Broadway show named "Hamilton."