The Case:
A San Francisco bank owns two antique pistols, allegedly used in the last great duel on U.S. soil.
Fought in 1856, the duel was between abolitionist Senator David Broderick and then California Supreme Court Justice, David Terry.
What became known as the Broderick–Terry duel was about more than insults and honor, it was about politics. The outcome of this duel influenced which side California would take in the Civil War, and the course of the war itself.
150 years later, a bank employee wants to know if these guns were really used in the Broderick-Terry duel.
History Detectives are on the case to find out what really happened.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Land Grant
How did an African-American win freedom and land so early in American history?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Wartime Baseball
Is this baseball evidence of an unusual ballgame that took place during segregation?
-
Related Investigation
Liberty Bell Pin
Was one of America’s most iconic symbols melted down into a mere memento?
-
Also in Season 2
First Movie Studio
Could a broken gateway once have been the grand entrance to a Hollywood studio?
-
Also in Season 2
Body In The Basement
Are these the remains of an executed prisoner of war from an English Civil War battle?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Broadway Ballet Shoes
Did this dancer's great-great-grandfather teach Salvatore Capezio to make ballet shoes?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.