Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr Jr.
Aaron Burr Jr. (1756–1836) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the third vice president of the United States from 1801 to 1805. He also served as New York attorney general and a U.S. senator, and is best known for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel and for later treason charges from which he was acquitted.
Early life and education
Aaron Burr was born in 1756 in Newark, New Jersey. He studied at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, and graduated at a young age.
Political career
Burr served in the New York Assembly, as New York attorney general, and as a U.S. senator before becoming vice president in 1801. His rise was tied to the early Democratic-Republican political order.
Duel with Alexander Hamilton
Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804 after a long political and personal rivalry. The event became the defining episode of Burr’s public reputation.
Treason trial and later life
After leaving office, Burr became involved in a controversial western scheme that led to treason charges in 1807. He was acquitted, later returned to legal practice, and died in 1836.
Key facts
- Aaron Burr was the third vice president of the United States, serving under Thomas Jefferson.
- He fatally wounded Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804.
- Burr was tried for treason in 1807 but acquitted.
- He served as New York attorney general and a U.S. senator before his vice presidency.
- Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1756 and died in Port Richmond, New York, in 1836.
Burr is mainly relevant to Canadian history through the American Revolutionary War era and early U.S. politics, including U.S. relations with British North America and the broader political world that shaped Canada’s early environment.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Historical Society of the New York Courts — https://history.nycourts.gov/figure/aaron-burr/Supports: Birth, education, New York Assembly, New York Attorney General, U.S. Senate, death.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-BurrSupports: Full name, birth and death details, vice presidency, political affiliation, duel, treason arrest.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Aaron-BurrSupports: Contested election of 1800, vice presidency, duel with Hamilton, treason trial, later life.
- Miller Center, University of Virginia — https://millercenter.org/president/jefferson/essays/burr-1801-vicepresidentSupports: Early life, Revolutionary War service, legal career, New York offices, vice presidency, Hamilton duel, treason charge, later practice.