Theodosia Burr wasn't an on-screen star of Hamilton, but the historical figure's existence was an important aspect of the musical. Theodosia was the daughter of Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom, Jr.), one of the nation's Founding Fathers and political rival of Alexander Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda), the focus of the stage adaption.
When the events of Hamilton begin in 1776, Hamilton first arrives in New York City and befriends Burr. Both go on to serve in the American Revolutionary War and rise through the political ranks. In 1782, Burr marries Theodosia Bartow Prevost, and the pair have a child, named after her mother, the following year. Shortly before Theodosia enters the world, Hamilton's first son, Philip, is born. Toward the end of the musical's first act, Hamilton and Burr perform "Dear Theodosia," a song featuring the men's promise to protect their children at all costs.
When Theodosia was 18 years old in 1801, her father became the vice president to Thomas Jefferson after coming in second in the election of 1800. Three years later, Burr and Hamilton engaged in an illegal duel, which ultimately killed Hamilton. As indicated by Hamilton, Burr was viewed as a villain after his rival's death. In fact, the duel ended up ruining Burr's reputation completely. By the time the duel occurred, Theodosia was already married to Joseph Alston, a wealthy South Carolina landowner who eventually became a governor. She was predominantly raised by her father after her mother died when she was young so when Burr found himself in trouble, his daughter was there to support him. She was present for his trial when he was charged with treason in 1807 and helped support him financially when he was exiled to Europe. A series of unfortunate events then turned Theodosia's life upside down.
Theodosia Burr Disappeared At Season When She Was 29
Burr returned to the U.S. in 1812, but that same year, Theodosia's only child, Aaron Burr Alston, died of malaria at the age of 10. The incident affected Theodosia's health, delaying the trip to reunite with her father in New York. In December of 1812, shortly after the War of 1812 commenced, Theodosia boarded a schooner named the Patriot from Georgetown, South Carolina headed for New York. The Patriot never made it to its destination, nor were any of the passengers heard from again. Theodosia was then presumed dead at just 29 years old.
There have been several theories centering on what happened to the boat that disappeared at sea. According to popular folklore, the Patriot was ambushed by pirates and all of the passengers were killed. Another theory suggested that the boat hit a major storm off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, resulting in a shipwreck. Either way, the fate of Theodosia brings more significance to Burr's song in Hamilton. Coincidentally enough, Philip also died at a young age, pointing to the fact that both Burr and Hamilton were unable to keep their children safe.