Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr, America's First Anti-Hero

Aaron Burr was a brilliant and ambitious man who rose to prominence in American history as a soldier, politician, and adventurer. But his legacy is forever tarnished by the infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton that ended his political career and ultimately led to his downfall.

Early Years

Aaron Burr was born on February 6, 1756, in Newark, New Jersey. His father, Aaron Burr Sr., was a prominent Presbyterian minister and president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). His mother, Esther Edwards Burr, was the daughter of the renowned theologian Jonathan Edwards.

Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr

by Nancy Isenberg

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11748 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	557 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

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Burr was a precocious child who excelled in his studies. He entered the College of New Jersey at the age of 13 and graduated with honors four years later. After graduation, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1782.

Revolutionary War

When the American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, Burr joined the Continental Army as a private. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by 1777 he was a lieutenant colonel. He fought in some of the war's most important battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Saratoga.

Burr was a skilled military strategist and tactician. He was also a brave and decisive leader. His men respected and admired him, and he was known for his ability to inspire them to fight even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Political Career

After the war, Burr embarked on a successful political career. He served in the New York State Assembly and the Continental Congress. In 1791, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He served as vice president under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805.

Burr was a controversial figure in politics. He was known for his sharp wit and his willingness to speak his mind. He was also a skilled political operator who was not afraid to use his power to advance his own agenda.

Duel with Alexander Hamilton

In 1804, Burr became embroiled in a bitter political feud with Alexander Hamilton. The feud culminated in a duel on July 11, 1804. Burr killed Hamilton, and his political career was effectively over.

The duel with Hamilton has been the subject of much debate and speculation. Some historians believe that Burr was justified in killing Hamilton, while others believe that it was a cold-blooded murder. Regardless of the circumstances, the duel forever tarnished Burr's reputation.

Later Years

After the duel, Burr fled to Europe. He returned to the United States in 1812, but he was never able to regain his former prominence. He spent his later years in obscurity and poverty.

Burr died on September 14, 1836, at the age of 80. He is buried in Princeton Cemetery in Princeton, New Jersey.

Legacy

Aaron Burr was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant and ambitious man who achieved great success, but his legacy is forever tainted by the duel with Alexander Hamilton.

Burr has been portrayed in numerous books, movies, and television shows. He is often remembered as a tragic figure who was ultimately undone by his own ambition.

Aaron Burr was a man of great talent and ambition. He rose to prominence in American history as a soldier, politician, and adventurer. But his legacy is forever tarnished by the duel with Alexander Hamilton that ended his political career and ultimately led to his downfall.

Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr

by Nancy Isenberg

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11748 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	557 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE