July 11, 2004 - Hamilton and Burr to Meet at Weehawken, NJ to Recreate the Infamous Duel

Two hundred years after the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, descendants of these two great men will meet again at Weehawken on July 11, 2004 and recreate the tragic event. The day's commemoration will also include an educational symposium and dedication of new historical markers.

(PRWEB) May 20, 2004 -- Two hundred years have passed since the most famous duel in American History. Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the Treasury and familiar face on our ten-dollar bill, was shot and killed by then Vice President Aaron Burr. Both historic figures had rowed the 3 miles across the Hudson River to Weehawken, New Jersey from their homes in lower Manhattan, accompanied by their seconds and a doctor. They conducted their " Affair of Honor" with dueling pistols before returning to New York City, where Hamilton, mortally wounded, died the next day.

To mark the bicentennial of this important event in our country's early history, the Weehawken Historical Commission has planned a full day of commemorative activities for Sunday, July 11, 2004.

We will begin with a wreath laying at the Alexander Hamilton monument in upper Weehawken at 7:00AM, the time when the duel took place. This will be followed by a duel reenactment at 10:00 AM at Lincoln Harbor Park on Weehawken's waterfront with descendents of Hamilton and Burr facing off. Also participating are a professor from Hamilton College, and members of the Aaron Burr Association. Narrators will discuss the early lives of these two patriots and describe the events which led to their "Interview in Weehawken". The actors will arrive in rowboats, dressed in costumes of the period and will be using replicas of the original pistols.

The reenactment will be followed by the dedication of two new historical plaques at the Hamilton Monument in upper Weehawken at 11:30AM, with a short ceremony accompanied by bagpipers.

After lunch at Weehawken High School, the WHC will present noted authors and historians Thomas Fleming, Joanne Freeman and Ron Chernow, followed by a panel discussion, moderated by author and historian Carol Berkin. The day's activities will conclude with a book signing. Reservations will be required for the afternoon's events.

Information on the event may be found on the Internet at:

http://duel2004.weehawkenhistory.org

Phone: 201-221-7563