So you’ve probably seen the musical “Hamilton” or read a bit of American history and wondered, did Aaron Burr marry Eliza? That’s a question many fans of history — and theater — keep coming back to. The story of Aaron Burr and Eliza Jumel is one full of drama, money, and a bit of scandal, too. So if you're curious about their marriage, how it came to be, and what happened next, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the facts and see how truth stacks up against the myths.

Eliza Jumel wasn’t just any New York socialite. She was a woman of ambition, wealth, and, frankly, a bit of mystery. Aaron Burr, on the other hand, was a former vice president of the United States, known for his infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton. Their paths crossed in the early 1800s, and the result? A marriage that was as unexpected as it was controversial. So did they actually tie the knot? The short answer is yes — but the long answer is way more interesting.

There’s a lot of confusion, especially with how pop culture and history often blur. Some people mix up Eliza Schuyler Hamilton — the widow of Alexander Hamilton — with Eliza Jumel, the woman who married Aaron Burr. That’s where the mix-up often starts. So in this article, we’ll clear the air, explore the real relationship, and give you the lowdown on what happened between Aaron Burr and Eliza Jumel.

• Emilie Livingston

Table of Contents

• Biography: Who Was Aaron Burr?
• Who Was Eliza Jumel?
• Did Aaron Burr Marry Eliza Jumel?
• Timeline of Their Relationship
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography: Who Was Aaron Burr?

Aaron Burr was born in 1756 in Newark, New Jersey, into a prominent family of theologians and educators. He became a lawyer and politician, later serving as the third vice president of the United States under Thomas Jefferson. His life was marked by ambition, controversy, and a famous duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804, which left Hamilton dead and Burr politically ruined.

After the duel, Burr’s career took a nosedive. He faced murder charges in New York and New Jersey, was dropped from the Jefferson administration, and eventually found himself involved in a mysterious conspiracy involving land in the Southwest and possible treason. He was tried but ultimately acquitted, though his reputation never really recovered.

Despite the drama, Burr remained a sharp and charismatic figure. He spent time in Europe, returned to the U.S., and eventually settled in New York City, where he lived out his final years as a lawyer and storyteller of his own life.

• Edgardo Canales

Who Was Eliza Jumel?

Eliza Jumel was born around 1775 in Providence, Rhode Island. She came from a humble background, the daughter of a tavern keeper, and faced a rough childhood filled with poverty and hardship. But she was clever, resourceful, and determined. She married a wealthy French merchant named Stephen Jumel in 1797, which catapulted her into high society.

After her husband died in 1832, Eliza became one of the richest women in New York. She owned a mansion in Washington Heights, now known as the Morris–Jumel Mansion, which still stands today. She was known for her sharp business acumen and her flair for the dramatic. So when she met Aaron Burr, she was already a powerful figure in her own right.

Did Aaron Burr Marry Eliza Jumel?

Yes, Aaron Burr and Eliza Jumel did get married — but the story is more complicated than it seems. The couple tied the knot in 1833, when Burr was 77 and Eliza was 58. It was a late-in-life marriage for both, and it didn’t last long. The union was rocky from the start, filled with arguments over money, power, and control.

Eliza was known for being strong-willed and independent, and she didn’t take kindly to Burr’s attempts to manage her finances. The marriage lasted only a few months before the two separated. Some say Burr left because of the tension; others believe Eliza kicked him out.

Either way, their marriage was brief and tumultuous. Burr died in 1836, just a few years after their split. Eliza lived on until 1865, continuing to be a powerful figure in New York society. So yes, they were married, but it was far from a fairy tale.

Timeline of Their Relationship

Let’s walk through the key events in the Burr-Jumel relationship:

1. 1800s–1830s: Eliza Jumel builds her wealth and reputation after her first husband’s death.
2. 1833: Eliza and Aaron Burr marry in July, after a short courtship.
3. 1834: The couple separates after a bitter dispute over finances and control of Eliza’s estate.
4. 1836: Aaron Burr passes away, leaving Eliza to continue managing her affairs alone.
5. 1865: Eliza Jumel dies at the age of 90, still a wealthy and influential woman.

This timeline shows how brief and contentious their marriage was, even though it did happen in real life. It’s easy to see why people get confused — it’s not the kind of story you hear about often in history books.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Eliza Schuyler marry Aaron Burr?

No, Eliza Schuyler was married to Alexander Hamilton, not Aaron Burr. This is a common mix-up, especially after the popularity of the musical “Hamilton.” Eliza Schuyler Hamilton was the widow of Alexander Hamilton, while Eliza Jumel was the woman who married Aaron Burr later in his life.

Why did Aaron Burr and Eliza Jumel get divorced?

Aaron Burr and Eliza Jumel separated after just a few months of marriage, mostly due to disputes over money. Eliza was wealthy and fiercely independent, and she wasn’t willing to give up control of her finances to Burr. The two had a falling out, and Burr left the home they shared in Washington Heights.

What happened to Eliza Jumel after Burr died?

After Aaron Burr’s death in 1836, Eliza Jumel continued to live a long and prosperous life. She remained one of New York’s richest women and was known for hosting lavish parties at her mansion. She died in 1865 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of independence, wealth, and a bit of scandal, too.

Final Thoughts

So did Aaron Burr marry Eliza? Yes, but not the Eliza you might be thinking of. Eliza Jumel, not Eliza Schuyler, was the woman who married Aaron Burr in 1833. Their marriage was short-lived and filled with tension, especially around money and control. Still, it’s an interesting footnote in American history — and a reminder that the past is full of surprising twists and turns.

If you’re curious to learn more about Eliza Jumel and her life, you can check out the Morris–Jumel Mansion in New York City, which is open to the public and offers a glimpse into her world. Learn more here.

And if you’re interested in other historical relationships, be sure to explore more on our site. Learn more about history and culture or read more stories from the past.