What happened on July 11th?

Morning!

So you think politics today are divided an ugly? At least we don’t have elected officials pulling guns on each other. At least not yet…

Today in 1804 marks the date of a duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, the former being the sitting vice president at the time.

If you’ve been to Broadway recently, you probably know who won.

🤺 1804: Duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton Took Place

On the morning of July 11, 1804, Aaron Burr, the sitting vice president of the United States, and Alexander Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Treasury, met for a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. The duel was the culmination of years of personal and political rivalry between the two men, which had reached a boiling point after Hamilton allegedly made derogatory remarks about Burr at a dinner party.

The duel followed the formalized code of conduct for such affairs, with both men bringing their seconds (assistants) to ensure fairness and to witness the proceedings. They stood ten paces apart, each armed with a flintlock pistol. According to some accounts, Hamilton fired first, deliberately missing Burr by shooting into the air, a gesture known as a "delope" meant to signify an unwillingness to kill. Burr, however, took aim and shot Hamilton in the lower abdomen, delivering a fatal wound.

Hamilton was carried back to New York City, where he died the following afternoon. The aftermath of the duel had profound consequences for both men. Hamilton's death was widely mourned. Hamilton had been a key figure in helping get the US Constitution ratified by the states, and he also played an important role in the early years of nation building, setting up a national bank, designing a plan to get the US out of debt after the war with England, and also raising money for the new nation’s defense and development.

His death helped turn him into a martyr for Federalist principles, which were those based on a strong cental government and economic development through industrialization.

Burr, on the other hand, faced immediate backlash. He was charged with murder in both New York and New Jersey, though the charges were eventually dropped. Nonetheless, his political career was effectively ruined, and he became a pariah, both publicly and privately.

I wonder if today’s Supreme Court would call this an “official” act…

⚔️ 1302: The Battle of the Golden Spurs Took Place

The Battle of the Golden Spurs (named after the golden spurs collected from fallen French knights), and also known as the Battle of Courtrai, took place on July 11, 1302. This significant medieval conflict occurred near Courtrai in present-day Belgium.

The battle was fought between the forces of the County of Flanders, consisting mainly of infantry militia, and the French army, which was composed largely of knightly cavalry. The Flemish forces were fighting for their independence from French control and won over heavily armored French cavalry. 

🚢 1656: First Quaker Colonists Landed at Boston

The first group of Quaker colonists arrived in Boston, facing immediate persecution for their beliefs. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for Quakers in New England, where they were often imprisoned, fined, or banished for their religious practices. The Puritan colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were formed as a response to religious persecution in England, but the Puritans had strict laws and little tolerance for practicers of other religions, which is part of the reason several new colonies popped up in the region, such as Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

🪖 1798: The U.S. Marine Corps Was Formally Reestablished

The U.S. Marine Corps was formally reestablished by an act of Congress. Originally created in 1775, the Corps had been disbanded after the Revolutionary War. Its re-establishment was part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. military in response to threats from France during the Quasi-War. Read more about this in our article about the XYZ Affair.

✊ 1863: New York City Workers Started Draft Riots

During the Civil War, New York City experienced violent draft riots. These riots were a direct response to the new conscription laws enacted by the Union to replenish its forces during the Civil War. The rioters, resentful of the draft that allowed wealthier men to pay for substitutes to avoid service, attacked draft offices, symbols of wealth, and African American residents, whom they unfairly blamed for the war. Lasting four days, the riots resulted in extensive property damage and were one of the largest civil insurrections in American history. Read more about the Civil War in The American Civil War: Dates, Causes, and People.

🛫 1955: The U.S. Air Force Academy Officially Opened 

On July 11, 1955, the U.S. Air Force Academy officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in American military education. Located initially at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, the academy was established to provide a comprehensive education and training program for future officers of the United States Air Force. The opening ceremony was a historic event, attended by dignitaries, military leaders, and the first class of cadets, known as the "Original 306."

📖 1960: Harper Lee Published To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird was published, quickly becoming a classic of American literature. This quintessential coming of age story addresses serious issues such as racial injustice moral growth through the eyes of a young girl in the Deep South.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1274: Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland

Robert the Bruce was a key figure in Scotland's fight for independence from England. He was crowned King of Scots in 1306 and led his country to victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, securing Scotland's status as an independent kingdom.

1767: John Quincy Adams, President of the United States

John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, was a diplomat, senator, and member of the House of Representatives. He is known for his strong opposition to slavery and his role in formulating the Monroe Doctrine as Secretary of State.

1903: Rudolf Abel, Soviet Spy

Rudolf Abel was a Soviet intelligence officer arrested by the FBI in 1957 for espionage. He was later exchanged for captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers in one of the most famous spy swaps of the Cold War.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1774: Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet

Sir William Johnson was a significant figure in colonial America, known for his role as a British Superintendent of Indian Affairs. He played a crucial role in maintaining relations between the British and Native American tribes.

1909: Simon Newcomb, US Astronomer and Mathematician

Simon Newcomb was a renowned astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to celestial mechanics and the understanding of the motion of celestial bodies. He also served as the director of the Nautical Almanac Office.

1989: Laurence Olivier, British Actor, Director, Writer, and Producer

Laurence Olivier was one of the most acclaimed actors of the 20th century, known for his work in film and theater. He received numerous awards, including Oscars and BAFTAs, and was instrumental in founding the National Theatre in London.

Enjoy your day! We’ll talk tomorrow

Matt