Notable U.S. Politician and Vice President

Aaron Burr | Biography

American politician, businessman, lawyer

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 20, 2025

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Who is Aaron Burr?

Aaron Burr was a prominent American politician and lawyer, born on February 6, 1756, in Newark, New Jersey. He came from a prestigious family deeply engaged in politics; his father was a Presbyterian minister and the president of the College of New Jersey. Burr excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude from the College of New Jersey at just 16 years old. He briefly interrupted his legal studies to serve as an officer in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, eventually rising to the rank of major. Following the war, Burr established a successful legal practice in New York City and became the state’s attorney general in 1789.

Burr’s political career began with his election to the U.S. Senate in 1791, where he initially found success, but his rivalry with Alexander Hamilton defined his later years. A significant turning point in his life came in 1804, when a duel with Hamilton resulted in Hamilton's death. This incident sparked public outrage and led to Burr's political downfall. Subsequently, he faced charges of conspiracy in 1807, which, although he was acquitted, left his reputation tarnished. Despite his efforts to revitalize his career and law practice in the years that followed, he struggled with financial difficulties and personal tragedies until his death on September 14, 1836.

Early Life and Education

Aaron Burr was born on February 6, 1756, in Newark, New Jersey, into a family with deep roots in English gentry and political involvement. His father served as a Presbyterian minister and the president of the College of New Jersey, indicating a strong emphasis on education and public service in Burr's upbringing. Following the death of both parents before he reached his teenage years, Burr and his sister were adopted by their affluent maternal uncle, which provided them a stable environment. This early life set the stage for Burr’s future pursuits in law and politics.

At the young age of 13, Burr enrolled at the College of New Jersey, where he demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, graduating summa cum laude in a mere three years. His early academic achievements were overshadowed only by his transition into legal studies, which he began at Litchfield Law School in Connecticut. However, the onset of the Revolutionary War intervened, leading him to serve as a soldier. Burr’s military service and quick ascent through the ranks during the war reflected his capability and determination, shaping his character and preparing him for his later legal and political careers.

Military Career and Law Practice

Aaron Burr's military career began with his involvement in the Revolutionary War, where he joined Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec. By the spring of 1776, he had risen to the rank of major and served under George Washington in New York. His impressive military prowess led to further opportunities, including a role on the staff of General Israel Putnam, where Burr held various key positions until retiring from military service in 1779. This early experience in the tumult of war not only showcased his leadership skills but also forged his determination to pursue a political career.

After leaving the military, Burr returned to his legal studies at Litchfield Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1782. He quickly established a lucrative law practice in Albany before moving to New York City, where he practiced for several years and earned a reputation as an accomplished attorney. His legal acumen led to his appointment as New York's attorney general in 1789. This period of his life solidified Burr's standing in society and linked him to influential figures, setting the stage for his later political ambitions that would come to define his controversial legacy.

Political Career Highlights

Aaron Burr's political career began with his election to the U.S. Senate in 1791, where he distinguished himself by defeating General Philip Schuyler, a prominent figure in New York politics and the father-in-law of Alexander Hamilton. Burr's time in the Senate was marked by an ongoing rivalry with Hamilton, which further intensified when he sought re-election and faced a loss in 1797. Burr believed that Hamilton had played a significant role in tarnishing his reputation and swaying public opinion against him, setting the stage for a conflict that would ultimately culminate in tragedy.

In the pivotal election of 1800, Burr allied himself with Thomas Jefferson as a candidate for the presidency. Both men received the same number of electoral votes, resulting in a contentious decision by the House of Representatives. Despite Hamilton's open support for Jefferson over Burr, the latter's political ambitions led him to become vice president under Jefferson. However, Burr's tenure in this role was fraught with tension, marked by his dissatisfaction over perceived slights to his honor, particularly when he lost the New York governorship, which he attributed to Hamilton's machinations.

The most infamous aspect of Burr's political life occurred in 1804 when he challenged Hamilton to a duel, fueled by a desire to restore his honor after losing the gubernatorial race. The duel resulted in Hamilton's death, leading to public outrage and a tarnished reputation for Burr. In 1807, Burr faced additional legal troubles when he was tried for conspiracy and treason related to a plan to establish a new nation in the southwest. Despite being acquitted, the scandal effectively ended his political career, leaving Burr to seek a fresh start in other ventures, which included attempts at establishing himself within Europe.

Duel With Alexander Hamilton

The rivalry between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton culminated in one of the most infamous duels in American history. The animosity between the two men had been building for years, fueled by political disagreements and personal hostilities. After losing the gubernatorial election of New York in 1804, Burr blamed Hamilton for tarnishing his reputation and influencing public perception against him. Seeking to restore his honor, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel, which was accepted. The duel took place on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey, and ended tragically with Burr fatally wounding Hamilton.

The aftermath of the duel was chaotic and destructive for Burr. The shooting was met with public outrage, and Burr quickly fled New York and New Jersey, fearing retribution and legal consequences. Despite returning to Washington, D.C. to complete his term as vice president, the incident haunted him for the rest of his life. While the legal charges never progressed to trial, the damage to Burr's reputation was irreparable, marking the beginning of the end for his political career. The duel forever solidified their legacies and remains a pivotal moment in early American history, illustrating the intense personal and political animosities of the time.

Conspiracy Charges and Trial

In 1807, Aaron Burr faced serious legal troubles when he was arrested and brought to trial on charges of conspiracy and high misdemeanor. The allegations stemmed from Burr's alleged involvement in an ambitious scheme to create an independent nation in the West, encompassing parts of the Louisiana Territory. This plan reportedly included leading a military expedition against Spanish territories, raising fears about his intentions among political leaders and citizens alike. The high-profile case attracted significant attention, setting the stage for a dramatic judiciary spectacle that would ultimately tarnish Burr's reputation for good.

Burr's trial was overseen by Chief Justice John Marshall, who played a crucial role in ensuring that the proceedings adhered to legal standards. After a lengthy examination of evidence and testimonies, Burr was acquitted of treason, a significant charge that could have led to his execution. However, the conspiracy charges, although also dismissed by Marshall, left a lasting stain on Burr's political career. The scandal not only marked the decline of his influence but also contributed to the widespread public perception of him as a controversial figure, ultimately culminating in his isolation from the political sphere he once navigated with skill.

Final Years and Personal Life: Married Life and Children

In his later years, Aaron Burr faced significant personal tragedies that deeply affected his life. After the death of his beloved wife, Theodosia Prevost, in 1794, Burr was left to raise their only child, Theodosia, who became a central figure in his life. However, in 1812, Burr endured the heartbreaking loss of his daughter, who perished in a shipwreck. This duality of joy and sorrow marked his personal life, making Burr a man of complex emotional depths. He did not remarry until the late stage of his life when, at 77 years old, he wed Eliza Jumel, a wealthy widow, but this second marriage proved to be tumultuous and short-lived.

After marrying Eliza Jumel in 1833, Burr experienced further hardships, including financial difficulties and health issues. The marriage ended in divorce, which left Burr even more vulnerable. Following this, he suffered multiple strokes that impaired his mobility and left him partially paralyzed. Despite these challenges, Burr attempted to rebuild his law practice in New York. By 1830, he found himself increasingly reliant on the financial support of friends. Aaron Burr's final years were a reflection of both his past accomplishments and the profound losses that had shaped his life, culminating in his death on September 14, 1836, in Port Richmond, Staten Island.

Net Worth and Earnings: Legal Career

Aaron Burr's legal career began after he graduated from the College of New Jersey and after returning to his studies following the Revolutionary War. In 1782, Burr was licensed as an attorney and admitted to the bar, quickly establishing a successful law practice in Albany, New York. His reputation and skills eventually led him to New York City, where over the next six years, he garnered considerable wealth and influence through various high-profile legal cases. By 1789, he became the attorney general of New York, further enhancing his professional standing and financial stability.

Despite the setbacks in his political life, Burr was able to rebuild his legal career post-1807, after the conspiracy charges that marred his reputation. With determination, he returned to practice law in New York, managing to secure modest success amid financial difficulties. By 1830, however, his waning fortune saw him increasingly reliant on the support of friends. Although his post-political life was marked by challenges, Burr's earlier legal achievements provided him with a stable income until he reached his later years, when his health declined and financial stability became increasingly elusive.