Aaron Burr shoots Alexander Hamilton in the Weehawken duel (July 1804)

Background. The duel arose from long-standing political enmity, notably during the 1800 presidential election where Hamilton opposed Burr. In 1804, Burr sought the New York governorship against Morgan Lewis, but was defeated by forces including Hamilton. Slanderous attacks during the campaign contributed to the challenge. A duel was arranged on June 27, 1804, after reconciliation attempts failed.

The Duel. Burr and Hamilton departed Manhattan by separate boats on the morning of July 11, 1804, rowing to the Heights of Weehawken, a popular dueling ground on the west bank of the Hudson River. The site had been used for eighteen known duels between 1700 and 1845. Hamilton's eldest son, Philip, had been killed at a nearby site in 1801.

Aftermath. Hamilton succumbed to his wounds on July 12, 1804, at Bayard's home in Greenwich Village, New York City, after suffering for at least 31 hours. He spoke of his belief in God's mercy. The first memorial to the duel was constructed in 1806 by the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York, of which Hamilton was a member; Eliphalet Nott, pastor at an Albany church attended by Hamilton's father-in-law Philip Schuyler, gave a sermon on the death of General Alexander Hamilton that was soon reprinted.