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The bullet lodged in Hamilton's spine at 7 a.m., fired from across the Weehawken
1804 Event

July 12

Alexander Hamilton Dies from Duel Wounds: America Mourns

The bullet lodged in Hamilton's spine at 7 a.m., fired from across the Weehawken dueling grounds by Vice President Aaron Burr. Thirty-one hours later, Alexander Hamilton was dead at 49. His eldest son Philip had died in a duel at the same location three years earlier—same doctor, same spot. Hamilton had written Burr 51 days before, refusing to apologize for years of political insults. Burr was indicted for murder in two states and never held office again. The man who created America's financial system died $55,000 in debt.

July 12, 1804

222 years ago

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