19th Century Pistol Dueling Class

You read that right… This lecture and hands-on class will detail how a 19th century pistol duel was arranged and executed from beginning to end, and how one could best prepare for and survive them.

The class takes place near the very spot of one of the last notable pistol duels in America, The Broderick-Terry Duel of 1859.

The class will describe the largely more important factors of stance, setting, costume, demeanor and protocol rather than the shooting (that was the easy part).  No equipment required, dress casually and for the weather. Black collared overcoats admired, but not required. Class hosted by Golden Gate School of Arms’ Instructor Benjamin Bowles.

19th Century Pistol Dueling Class
Sunday, January 31, 2016 – 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Broderick-Terry Duel Landmark Park, Daly City
FREE

Class Location & Directions
At the bottom of Lake Merced on the east side of Lake Merced Boulevard, enter a small roadway marked “Lake Merced Hill: Private Club.” This road may also be found by looking up 1100 Lake Merced Boulevard. A short distance down that road and before entering the private club, you will see the California Landmark marker for the Broderick – Terry Duel Site with plenty of parking. Site is also accessible by the MUNI’s 18 bus and is also a 1.5 mile walk from the Daly City Bart Station.

About The Broderick-Terry Duel
The Broderick–Terry duel (subsequently called “the last notable American duel”) was fought between United States Senator David C. Broderick, of California, and ex-Chief Justice David S. Terry, of the Supreme Court of California, on September 13, 1859. The two men had been friends and political allies within the Democratic Party. However, Broderick was an abolitionist, whereas Terry was pro-slavery. Intense political disagreements led to bitter resentments, which in turn led to a challenge to a duel and the fatal encounter in a ravine near Lake Merced in San Mateo County.

Photo credit: Roy Morlidge