Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr, who served as Jefferson’s Vice President, has always been painted as a dark figure in our history, primarily because of the duel. But there are some positives to his resume — he served honorably, even heroically, in the Revolutionary War, championed the rights of immigrants and Native Americans, opposed slavery, and argued for women’s rights. His duel with Hamilton was not his doing — Hamilton was relentless in his attacks on Burr’s character, and in doing so incited Burr to seek satisfaction, as was fitting for the time.
Still, he’s here because of the Louisiana Territory thing, in which he attempted with Wilkinson to take over the territory and form an independent country. The plan failed and Burr was brought up on charges of treason, but was judged not guilty based upon the Constitution’s definition of treason.
Historians are mixed as to whether Burr or Wilkinson initiated the plot to form a separate country, but either way, his decision to participate is reason enough to make the list.
