If he had been able to keep his ambition in check, Aaron Burr might have become president. Instead, he became known as the man who killed Alexander Hamilton and as one of the most notorious traitors in history.
Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 6, 1756. His father, Reverend Aaron Burr, was president of the College of New Jersey, which would later be renamed Princeton. His mother, Esther Edwards Burr, was the daughter of theologian Jonathan Edwards, whose preaching helped precipitate the religious movement known as the Great Awakening. Aaron Burr was orphaned at 2. He was raised by his uncle, Timothy Edwards.
From an early age, Aaron showed signs of brilliance. He applied for admission to the College of New Jersey (later Princeton) at age 11, but was turned down. At age 13, he reapplied and was granted admission as a sophomore; he graduated at age 17.
When the Revolution began, Burr, then 19, unsuccessfully sought a commission from George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. A disappointed Burr joined Benedict Arnold's march against British strongholds in Canada. Later, he transferred to another force in Canada which was led by General Richard Montgomery.
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