The controversy surrounding Andrew Jackson's marriage to Rachel has remained a sore point for Jackson, who deeply resents attacks on his wife's honor.

By May 1806, Charles Dickinson, who, like Jackson, races horses, had published an attack on Jackson in the local newspaper, and it results in a written challenge from Jackson to a  duel.

Since Dickinson is considered an expert shot, Jackson determines it will be best to let Dickinson turn and fire first, hoping that his aim might be spoiled in his quickness; Jackson will wait and take careful aim at Dickinson.

Dickinson does fire first, hitting Jackson in the chest.

The bullet that strikes Jackson is so close to his heart that it cannot be removed.

Under the rules of dueling, Dickinson has to remain still as Jackson takes aim and shoots and killed him.

Jackson's behavior in the duel outrages men in Tennessee, who call it a brutal, cold-blooded killing and saddle Jackson with a reputation as a violent, vengeful man.

He becomes a social outcast.