American History Tellers FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | The Severance of the Union | 3
Aug 20, 2025
In August 1806, Aaron Burr preps for a mysterious expedition, rumored to involve a secessionist rebellion. Tensions rise as federal authorities pursue him, positioning him as a potential threat to the Union. Intriguing betrayals unfold among his closest allies, and a surprising grand jury ruling intensifies the political chaos. The risks grow as Burr navigates escape routes amid rising military pressures, testing the limits of civil liberties during this era of fear and ambition.
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Recruits Trained On Blenner-Hassett Island
- Thirty frontier recruits trained on an Ohio island in December 1806 expecting adventure and land in the West.
- Many joined under vague promises and unclear aims, unsure if they'd be invading Mexico or starting anew.
Local Prosecutor Raised National Alarm
- Joseph Hamilton Davis relentlessly warned Jefferson that James Wilkinson and Aaron Burr plotted to detach the West.
- His persistence shows how local prosecutors could escalate regional rumors into national security concerns.
Davis Confronts Wilkinson In St. Louis
- Davis traveled to St. Louis and confronted General James Wilkinson, who feigned amusement but showed signs of alarm.
- Wilkinson dismissed Davis yet secretly began plotting to distance himself from Burr.