In 1838, Two U.S. Congressmen Dueled with… Rifles!

On this episode of Our American Stories, in the winter of 1838, a political argument in Congress crossed a line few thought possible. Maine Representative Jonathan Cilley and Kentucky’s William Graves met on a field just outside Washington, rifles in hand. The nation watched in disbelief as two elected officials prepared to settle a dispute the old-fashioned way.When the smoke cleared, one man was dead, and House Resolution 8 soon followed, banning duels between lawmakers. Our regular contributor and firearms historian, Ashley Hlebinsky, revisits this little-known chapter in American history. Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)Support the show: https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.