Charles Dickinson (historical figure)

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Charles Dickinson (1780-May 30, 1806), was a 19th century American and nationally famous duelist. An expert marksman, Dickinson's dueling career included 26 kills before it was ended at the hands of future president Andrew Jackson.

[edit] Life

Born at Wiltshire Manor, Dickinson grew up in the Grove community of Caroline County, Maryland. He was a successful planter, renowned duelist, and a popular socialite. Dickinson owned a house in Maryland for 15 years.

[edit] Death

Jackson's political opponents convinced Dickinson to insult Jackson's wife assuming Jackson would not survive. At a party near Hillsboro, Maryland at the Daffin House plantation, he met Andrew Jackson and struck up a conversation about horse racing. Later the two would meet again when Dickinson had relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. A duel was set up between the two. Jackson attempted to fire, but his pistol misfired. Dickinson then proceeded to shoot, and Jackson took one ball in the ribs.[1] Without wavering, Jackson then fatally wounded Dickinson with a .70-caliber shot to his middle, severing an artery, technically breaking the rules of the duel. He died a few hours later, the only man Jackson ever killed in any of his 103 duels.^[1]