History with ‘Hud’: Cape Fear’s possible connection to Theodosia Burr, daughter of Aaron Burr
BALD HEAD ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — The name Burr is synonymous with one of the most famous duels in American history, which saw Aaron Burr squaring off against Alexander Hamilton on July 11, 1804. But his daughter, Theodosia, is lesser known for her possible connection to the Cape Fear.
Theodosia Burr was born in Albany, New York on June 21, 1783. Tragedy struck early in her life, with her mother dying when Theodosia was just 11. Despite the loss, her life improved when she married Joseph Alston six years later, who would eventually go on to be the governor of South Carolina.
The two resided in South Carolina following their marriage, with Aaron Burr remaining in New York. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson was elected president with Aaron Burr becoming vice president. But the infamous story of Burr quickly took off from there. After he shot and killed Hamilton in the New Jersey duel, Burr became wanted for murder. He fled to South Carolina to be with Theodosia who had recently gone through a difficult child birth.
Eventually Burr was arrested for treason in 1806, being acquitted during an 1807 trial. Despite the acquittal, Burr became the target of public outrage and had tarnished his own daughter’s reputation in the process.
In June of 1808, Burr fled to Europe, and over the next four years, Theodosia campaigned to have her father allowed back into the United States. Finally, Burr returned to the country in 1812. But tragedy struck again when Theodosia’s son died soon after from malarial fever.
Theodosia decided to set sail for New York to be with her father. Her husband had just been elected governor of South Carolina in December 1812 and could not go with her.
On December 31, 1812, Theodosia boarded a small vessel called the Patriot. The ship departed Georgetown into the open sea, never to be seen again.
At first, Aaron Burr and Joseph Alston held out hope Theodosia would turn up safely. But by February they gave up the search.
Theodosia’s disappearance remains a mystery to this day. Some believe the ship she was on sank in a storm far off the coast. Others think she was killed by pirates. But one theory known to many locals involves the Cape Fear.
Stories claim Theodosia’s boat sank off the coast of Smith Island, now known as Bald Head Island. The legend goes the ship ran aground on the shoals of the Cape Fear region and pirates raided the distressed ship, killing everyone aboard except Theodosia, who was taken captive for ransom.
Regardless of how she died, her spirit is said to manifest along Bald Head Island’s shore, still frantically searching for a way to escape. Alternate reports say the three headless pirates can be seen chasing behind her, connecting some of the most famous history to our region.
Whatever you believe about the disappearance of Theodosia Burr, the mystery will forever link the Cape Fear to one of the most important people in early American history.
Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston (‘Hud’) has always had two major loves – weather and history. While you can watch him talk about weather each evening on WWAY, he looks forward to bringing you a little piece of history each Thursday on WWAY’s website.
To read other History with ‘Hud’ segments, click HERE.
