Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. (February 6, 1751, – September 14, 1836) was an American politician, Revolutionary War hero and the third vice president of the United States (1801 – 1805). He was born in Newark, province of New Jersey. Burr fought in the American Revolutionary War, reaching the rank of Colonel. After the war, Burr was a leader of the Democratic-Republican Party and served in the New York State Assembly, as New York State Attorney General, and as a United States Senator before serving as Vice President.
Aaron Burr | |
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3rd Vice President of the United States | |
In office March 4, 1801 – March 4, 1805 | |
President | Thomas Jefferson |
Preceded by | Thomas Jefferson |
Succeeded by | George Clinton |
United States Senator from New York | |
In office March 4, 1791 – March 3, 1797 | |
Preceded by | Philip Schuyler |
Succeeded by | Philip Schuyler |
3rd Attorney General of New York | |
In office September 29, 1789 – November 8, 1791 | |
Governor | George Clinton |
Preceded by | Richard Varick |
Succeeded by | Morgan Lewis |
Personal details | |
Born | Aaron Burr Jr. February 6, 1756 Newark, New Jersey, British America |
Died | September 14, 1836 (aged 80) Staten Island, New York, U.S. |
Resting place | Princeton Cemetery |
Political party | Democratic-Republican |
Spouse(s) |
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Children | 7 or more including: Theodosia John Aaron |
Relatives | Aaron Burr Sr. (Father) Esther Edwards (Mother) |
Education | Princeton University (BA) |
Signature | ![]() |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | Continental Army |
Years of service | 1775–1779 |
Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War • Battle of Quebec • Battle of Monmouth |
Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804, when Burr was still Vice President.
Burr conspired to form a new country in Mexico. He wanted to be present if and when Spain and Mexico went to war. Some people, including President Thomas Jefferson, who had picked a different vice president for his second term, saw Burr's actions as treason. However, in 1807 Burr was found innocent of the charges. He was often thought of by his enemies as unreliable. Burr died in 1836.