Weehawken, NJ… famous dueling grounds for over a century. Many duels were fought in Weehawken, including Philip Hamilton’s duel. Dueling was illegal in both New York and New Jersey, but the spot in Weehawken provided privacy for those who wanted to shoot it out.

The actual dueling took place on a wooded ledge about twenty feet above the Hudson River. Duelists from New York City rowed a boat across the river to meet in Weehawken. You wonder if they stopped along the way to scoop up some fish to eat. After all, you don’t want to duel on an empty stomach. Anyway, both Hamilton and Burr rowed across with their “seconds” and Dr. Hosack the morning of July 11, 1804. Burr’s party arrived first, as they arranged, and cleared away some brush from the ledge. Hamilton got to choose the standing positions, since he was challenged by Burr. I guess the challenged party gets to choose most everything, at least that’s something! Apparently, Hamilton chose a bad position that would have put the glare of the sun in his eyes.

Modern day Weehawken is right by the Lincoln Tunnel and straight across from 42nd Street in New York City. You can visit it! See Weehawken on a map by clicking here!