Part one of a two-part series on the life of Aaron Burr.

In the 200 years that Baldwin County has existed, there have been numerous historical figures that have called the area home or have passed through the region on their way to fame and fortune. Numerous others came even before Baldwin had a name or belonged to the United States.

One such larger than life character was Aaron Burr, made famous for his duel with political rival Alexander Hamilton. Many believe Aaron Burr made his way through Baldwin County either while eluding Federal authorities after he fatally wounded Hamilton or while in the custody of U.S. agents on his way to Virginia to stand trial for treason. Whether the stories are true or simply have become part of local lore, the man and his story is certainly worthy of further scrutiny.

Born in New Jersey in 1756, Aaron Burr was a man of many titles and many accomplishments. He was a graduate of Princeton, a colonel in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, a war hero during the march to Quebec in 1775, named attorney general of the United States in 1789, elected to the Senate in 1791 and elected to the vice presidency in 1801. But what most Americans remember is that he was the winner of the duel that killed rival Alexander Hamilton in July 1804.

Burr proved himself early and often during America’s fight for freedom against the British. In December 1775 at the age of 19, Burr showed his courage at Quebec, when during the heat of battle he unsuccessfully attempted to carry his commander, Gen. Richard Montgomery, from the battlefield.

Less than a year later, Burr again proved invaluable as he managed to organize a tactical retreat for American troops trapped in Manhattan as British troops closed in on their location. While distinguishing himself among American officers, Burr’s health failed him before the war’s end and he was forced to resign from the military in March 1779.

After the Revolution, Burr set about making a name for himself in politics. He was part of the memorable presidential election of 1800. After a tie of 73 electoral votes and 36 rounds of voting in the House of Representatives, Thomas Jefferson was elected president and Aaron Burr became the vice president. It was during his time in the vice president's office that rumors began to circulate that Burr had ambitions to a much higher office.

In May 1804, Burr met with Gen. James Wilkinson to discuss what many believe were plans to invade the Spanish held portions of North America. In July of that same year, Burr shot and killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in Weehawken, N.J.

Shortly thereafter, he left New York on a journey that would eventually take him through the frontier of the United States territory and into what is today the southeastern United States. On his journey, Burr gauged the sentiment of those he met for a possible expansion into Spanish held territory.

Then in 1806, Burr seemingly began to formulate plans to lead an expedition against the Spanish. Numerous transport vessels were gathered and 400,000 acres of land were purchased along the Washita River in present day Oklahoma.

As quickly as it all began, the perceived coup was over. In November 1806, Thomas Jefferson announced that an illegal military operation was underway along the American frontier and he called for the instigators to be rounded up and brought to justice.