New England Must Not Be Trampled On: The Tragic Death of Jonathan Cilley

On February 24, 1838, Maine Congressman Jonathan Cilley was killed in Maryland by another Congressman from Kentucky in one of the last duels to take place in the United States. At the time, dueling was not illegal, but still Cilley’s death was a shock to the nation. Before the duel, fought with rifles at less than one hundred paces, Cilley is believed to have said, “New England must not be trampled on.” He fought for the honor of his name, the honor of his home state, and the stout patrioti...