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    • Aaron Burr

    Aaron Burr

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    Aaron Burr Jr. (February 6, 1756 – September 14, 1836) was the third Vice President of the United States (1801–05), serving during President Thomas Jefferson’s first term. Despite his successful career as a politician and lawyer, Burr is frequently remembered for killing his political rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel (1804), and for his (unrelated) arrest on charges of treason in 1807.

    		Aaron Burr Resource Handout for Classroom or Homeschool: Just $2.00

    Biography: Aaron Burr5 stars

    "Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 6, 1756, to a long line of English gentry who had been active in politics. Burr's father was a Presbyterian minister and the president of the College of New Jersey. After the loss of both of his parents, Burr and his sister went to live with their wealthy maternal uncle." Visit for quick facts and a one-page Aaron Burr biography.



    Eyewitness to History: Duel at Dawn 18044 stars

    "The relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr was charged with political rivalry and personal animosity. Alexander Hamilton, the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury, was the chief author of The Federalist Papers advocating a strong central government. Burr represented the old Republican Party." Learn about the famous duel from two first-hand accounts: one written jointly by Burr's and Hamilton's seconds (their assistants); the other by the attending physician.

    PBS: The Duel5 stars

    "Aaron Burr, grandson of the theologian Jonathan Edwards, served with distinction in the Revolutionary War and was nearly elected the nation's third president. In 1804 they [Burr and Hamilton] met in a duelan honor match that changed the course of American history." This is a companion site to the PBS movie of the same name. Visit for Special Features (articles on topics such as History of Dueling in America), a timeline, synopses of related Peoples & Events, and a Teachers Guide that includes classroom discussion questions.

    History: This Day in History: Aaron Burr Arrested for Treason4 stars

    This article summarizes both the Burr-Hamilton duel, and the treason charges brought against Burr in 1807. "In the fall of 1806, Burr led a group of well-armed colonists toward New Orleans, prompting an immediate investigation by U.S. authorities. General Wilkinson, in an effort to save himself, turned against Burr and sent dispatches to Washington accusing Burr of treason."

    US History: Valley Forge: Aaron Burr4 stars

    "Burr was a very successful attorney. He moved to New York in 1783 and shared a practice with Alexander Hamilton. In 1789, New York Governor, George Clinton named him Attorney General, launching his political career." This one-page, illustrated Burr biography includes links to related subjects, some of which display tooltips when you mouse over them.

    		Aaron Burr Resource Handout for Classroom or Homeschool: Just $2.00



    Honorable Mentions

    The following links are either new discoveries or sites that didn't make it into my newspaper column because of space constraints. Enjoy!

    Hamilton Musical: Aaron Burr

    Mental Floss: Facts About Aaron Burr

    Monticello: Aaron Burr

    TIME: Forget Hamilton, Burr Is the Real Hero


    Cite This Page

    Feldman, Barbara. "Aaron Burr." Surfnetkids. Feldman Publishing. 7 Jul. 2020. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.surfnetkids.com/resources/aaron-burr/ >.


    About This Page

    By . Originally published July 7, 2020. Last modified August 17, 2020.

    Filed Under: Biographies, History, Holidays

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