One of the most notorious incidents of dueling took place between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr more than 200 years ago. Now, the Kentucky Historical Society has put together an exhibit highlighting the sometimes deadly practice in the commonwealth.
"A lot of folks may not be aware that that was a big problem in Kentucky," explained Carol Bolton, director of educational programs for the Kentucky Historical Society. "With Hamilton opening in Louisville we wanted to tie into some of the buzz around that but also tell some really interesting Kentucky stories through that lens, and I thought that the old State Capitol would be a great place to do that because so many of the men who served here were involved in duels," Bolton told WUKY.
That includes notable Kentuckian Henry Clay, who ironically was known as the Great Compromiser. Bolton says he was involved in two duels throughout his politcal career.
Visitors can handle replica pistols, check out related artifacts and get a sense of what it was like to face an opponent at 10 or more paces. The Dueling Grounds exhibit is on display through October 19th at the Old State Capitol building in Frankfort.
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