The Mysterious Disappearance of Aaron Burr’s Daughter, Theodosia

By | November 23, 2018

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People today may only know her name from the song, “Dear Theodosia,” in the hit musical, Hamilton, but during her time, Theodosia Burr Alston was a socialite and a political celebrity. The daughter of the third vice president of the United States, Aaron Burr, who famously killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804, Theodosia was an asset to her father’s contentious political career. But Theodosia mysteriously vanished in 1813. What happened to Theodosia Burr Alston?

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Theodosia Stood by Her Famous Father

Aaron Burr served as the vice president under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805. Jefferson grew distrustful of Burr, however, when Burr tried to usurp the presidency from Jefferson. And then there was the rivalry between Burr and Alexander Hamilton. In 1804, Hamilton attacked Burr over Burr’s bid to become New York’s governor. Afterward, Burr, in an attempt to save face, challenged Hamilton to a duel. When Burr killed Hamilton in the duel and faced public outcry and criminal charges, Theodosia stood by her father’s side.