Miscellaneous

Burr had been a hero of the Revolutionary War, and ran for President against Thomas Jefferson in the election of 1800. After the two candidates received the same number of electoral votes, the House of Representatives, after 36 ballots, voted to elect Jefferson as President, leaving Burr to serve as Vice-President.

Hamilton, Burr's long-time political rival, had led the fight against Burr's election to the presidency. The feud continued until 1804. Burr became outraged over disparaging remarks reportedly made about him by Hamilton at a dinner party. Failing to receive satisfaction from Hamilton in response to his demands for an apology, Burr challenged him to a duel.

The pair met on the dueling grounds at Weehawken, New Jersey, with .51 caliber dueling pistols. Burr shot Hamilton, who fired into the air. It is unclear whether Hamilton did that as a reflex after being shot, or purposely to avoid hitting Burr. Burr was indicted for murder in New York State, but never prosecuted. He continued to serve as Vice-President until 1805.

Burr was arrested and tried for treason in 1807, for an unrelated matter. There being no clear proof of treason, Burr was freed. His reputation ruined, however, he left for Europe, where he remained until 1812. After returning to the United States, he spent his last years practicing law until his death in 1836.