The Weehawken Dueling Grounds witnessed numerous duels and settled disputes throughout the colonial era and early America. The most famous to take place there was on July 11, 1804 between the former Secretary of the Treasury and the Vice President of the United States. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr settled their long-time rivalry on the New Jersey shore in what would go down as one of the most memorable and tragic moments of our early Republic.
History
The animosity that existed between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr was no secret in their lifetime (certainly made more popular and known today thanks to composer Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical Hamilton). Despite very different upbringings and backgrounds, the two men fought alongside one another for American Independence in the Continental Army. During the war, Hamilton became part of George Washington’s inner circle and served as one of his most trusted aide-de-camps until the end of the war (Burr was briefly on Washington’s staff and eventually resigned from the army in 1779).
Following the American Revolution, Hamilton played a central role in the formation of the American government and was a stalwart defender of the U.S. Constitution through his writings in The Federalist Papers (alongside John Jay and James Madison). During this time, Burr practiced law and participated in local government in New York City. As Hamilton emphatically defended his political views as a staunch Federalist, the ambitious Burr seemed to shift his allegiances in pursuit of personal success; however, Burr would become a Democratic-Republican in future contests. The stark difference in political and personal views between these men began to sow the seeds of animosity.
In 1791, while Hamilton served as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury in the Washington administration, the rivalry intensified when Burr defeated Philip Schuyler (Hamilton’s father-in-law) for his New York Senate seat.
Then in 1800, Burr ran in the presidential race as a Democratic-Republican with hopes of gaining the Vice Presidency under Thomas Jefferson (at that time, the candidate with the second highest number of electoral votes became the Vice President). Unexpectedly, the result was a tie between Burr and Jefferson with 73 electoral votes each; therefore, the decision for the presidency went to the House of Representatives. Hamilton believed Burr to be a duplicitous and treacherous man and despite Jefferson being a long-time rival, Hamilton began a letter writing campaign against a Burr presidency (he felt that a Jefferson presidency was less-dangerous to Federalist ideals). Ultimately, Jefferson was elected the third President of the United States and Burr became his Vice President. Burr would never forget Hamilton’s frenetic campaign against him.
As the years passed and the political divide grew between Jefferson and Burr, it was clear that Burr would not be welcomed as a running mate in 1804. Thus, Burr turned his attention to running for Governor of New York, which was met with aggressive opposition from Hamilton and other Federalists. This opposition included the publication of some of Hamilton’s words, which were sharp criticisms of Burr’s character, his ability to lead in government, and the belief that he was a “dangerous” man. In response, Burr wrote to Hamilton demanding an explanation for the accusations and harsh criticism, which led to an exchange of letters and eventually to Burr’s formal challenge to duel. Hamilton accepted. The duel would take place at 7 AM on July 11, 1804 on the heights of Weehawken, New Jersey.
To maintain secrecy, Hamilton and Burr left Manhattan by boat around 5 AM from separate docks (Burr arrived at Weehawken around 6:30am with Hamilton arriving approximately at 7 AM). Hamilton’s second was Nathaniel Pendleton and Burr’s second was William P. Van Ness (prophetically, Hamilton also brought along Doctor David Hosack). The role of the second was to ensure the duel was conducted honorably.
Around 7 AM, Hamilton and Burr met on the secluded heights along the Hudson River to settle their long time dispute. Although conflicting reports exist about who fired first and what exactly happened (especially from the seconds), many historians agree that Hamilton likely had no intention of actually shooting Burr. It is known that two shots were fired and when the smoke settled, Hamilton lie on the ground bleeding. Burr’s shot went through Hamilton’s abdomen, just over his right hip, and lodged near his spine.
After being attended to by Doctor Hosack, Hamilton was rowed back across the Hudson River to Manhattan and brought to the house of William Bayard. He would survive a little over 30 more hours and have a last chance to say goodbye to his wife Eliza and children. Alexander Hamilton died on July 12, 1804 and was buried at the Trinity Churchyard Cemetery in New York (89 Broadway, New York, NY 10006) just as his son was in 1801.
Interesting Facts
- On November 23, 1801, Alexander Hamilton’s son Philip (19 years old) was mortally wounded in a duel with George Eacker at Weehawken- the very location of his father’s eventual fatal duel. Doctor David Hosack attended both Philip and Alexander Hamilton
- In the 1800 Presidential election, the House of Representatives cast 35 unsuccessful ballots to break the Jefferson-Burr electoral tie before finally electing Jefferson as the third President of the United States on the 36th vote
- Following the duel, Aaron Burr was essentially able to finish his term as Vice President. He then pursued a series of wild plans, which included a plot to seize Louisiana Territory and make it an independent nation. This failed and Burr would eventually flee to Europe (he eventually returned to New York and died in 1836)
Our Visit & Recommendations
Today the dueling grounds at Weehawken are memorialized by a small park and a few historical markers along the Hudson River in Weehawken, New Jersey (there is no exact address, but putting “Weehawken Dueling Grounds” in your GPS will get you there). The park is located across from private residences and the only parking is limited (but free) street parking. We visited while we were driving through the area; however, there is not a lot to see, so I wouldn’t recommend making a long trip just to see the park. But if you’re in the city, it is a short drive through the Lincoln Tunnel to get over to the historic site.
It was a weekday when we visited and we were able to easily find street parking in front of the park. There are two small historical markers commemorating the history of the site and the Hamilton-Burr duel as well as a statue dedicated to Alexander Hamilton. Perhaps the best thing about visiting the park is the remarkable and sweeping view of the New York City skyline (this was the best unobstructed view of the city that I’ve ever seen).
Although small, it was neat to visit the famous spot and to imagine what it would have looked like over 200 years ago when those (even then) antiquated duels took place on the secluded heights above the river.
Book recommendation: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Source(s): https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/aaron-burr#:~:text=After%20a% 20very%20brief%20stint,safety%20and%20salvaging%20US%20artillery