The Burr–Hamilton duel was fought between prominent American politicians Aaron Burr, the sitting Vice President of the United States, and Alexander Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Treasury, at Weehawken, New Jersey on July 11, 1804. The duel was the culmination of a long and bitter rivalry between the two men. It is debated whether Hamilton shot straight up or shot first, only to miss and hit a tree directly behind Burr. It is agreed though, that Burr then responded by shooting and mortally wounding Hamilton, who was carried to the home of William Bayard, where he died the next day.
Source: Wikipedia