Aaron Burr Jr., a character that will forever live in infamy, perhaps should also deserve more acclaim for other noteworthy acts during his life. Many already know of the one event that forever etched Aaron Burr's name in history books, his dramatic duel with Alexander Hamilton. The duel was the climax of years of feuding between the two and ended the life of Hamilton, one of the leading politicians at the time. Also adding to his infamy was his empire-building scheme during the years following his duel with Hamilton. Burr became involved with a series of affairs that appeared to be treason. He had sent letters to Britain and Spain asking for support, acquired vast land in the Louisiana Territory, sent letters out to the West stating that the western states were better off without the Union, and accrued an army for an attack on Mexico. To all, it appeared that Burr was planning his own empire in the West separate from the Union. Burr was arrested and put on trail for treason. However, largely owing to a favorable interpretation of the law of treason by the trial judge, Chief Justice John Marshall, Burr was acquitted. Despite Burr's egregious shortcomings, one cannot ignore the outstanding work Burr accomplished before his duel.
             Burr was born February 6,1756 in Newark, New Jersey. He was born into a family of prominence. His father, Rev. Aaron Burr, was the 2nd president of the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton). His mother was the daughter of the famous Jonathan Edwards, the theologian and philosopher who helped ignite the Great Awakening. He displayed brilliance at an early age. At the age of 13, Burr entered Princeton as a sophomore. One of the two leaders of his class, he graduated in 1772. During the Revolutionary War, Burr played an important role. He was part of Benedicts Arnold's expedition to attack British strongholds in Canada. At the battle of Quebec, Burr risked his own life carrying the dead body of General...