At the time of the American Revolution, a challenge to defend one’s honor meant drama: a duel! As pistols were notoriously unreliable, most duels were not fatal and instead ended in compromise. Nevertheless, about twenty percent of duels ended in fatality. In 1838, the “Southern Duello,” or rules for the art of dueling, was adopted. The duello outlined twenty-five rules: which insults constituted a challenge, where duels should be conducted, and the responsibilities of seconds (friends who served as backups).
Georgia’s most notable duel took place during the American Revolution. The duel was a culmination of the conflict between Button Gwinnett, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Lachlan McIntosh, a brigadier general in the Continental Army. In 1777, Gwinnett was elected commander-in-chief of Georgia; soon after, a dispute over Georgia’s border with Florida erupted between Gwinnett and McIntosh. As a result, McIntosh called Gwinnett a “scoundrel and a lying rascal.” On May 16, 1777, the two squared off in Savannah. McIntosh mortally wounded Gwinnett on the first shot. Accused of murder, McIntosh turned himself in and was indicted and tried, only to be acquitted and released.
Image courtesy of New York Public Library
Gwinnett McIntosh Duel 1777
The most famous duel in American history also has ties to Coastal Georgia and two prominent Revolutionary figures: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. While Burr served as Vice President, a political disagreement between the two men led to the duel and fatal shooting of Hamilton. Because dueling was frowned upon in polite society and outlawed in many states, Burr was charged with two counts of murder and fled to St. Simons Island, staying at Hampton Plantation. While staying with his friend Major Pierce Butler, Burr explored St. Simons, Darien, and Cannon’s Point.
Image courtesy of the Library of Congress
Hamiton-Burr Duel 1804
In the eighteenth century, ignoring a challenge to duel brought dishonor, while engaging proved social status, even as it brought injury and death. In 1809, Georgia governor David B. Mitchell—who had killed a political opponent in a duel five years earlier—signed legislation criminalizing “meeting at dawn.” Yet the practice continued. The last known duel on Georgia soil occurred in 1877.
This month’s featured images depict the famous Gwinnett-McIntosh and Hamilton-Burr duels. The image of McIntosh’s 1777 victory is courtesy of the New York Public Library, and the image of Hamilton’s and Burr’s 1804 duel comes from the Library of Congress.
Coastal Georgia Historical Society presents this article and images from our archives as part of our mission “to connect people to Coastal Georgia’s dynamic history.” The Society operates the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the World War II Home Front Museum, housed in the Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach. To learn more about the Society, its museums, diverse programs, and membership, please visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.
