The Broderick-Terry Duel Reenactment

The Broderick-Terry Duel- 150th Anniversary Commemoration- September 13, 2009

The duel between David Broderick and David Terry, the last recorded duel of its kind in San Francisco history, took place on September 13, 1859.  On this day, State Senator Broderick and State Supreme Court Justice Terry dueled, with pistols, near Lake Merced. The duel played an important part in United States history and much has been written about its consequences.  You can read more about it here.

The History Guild of Daly City/Colma commemorated the 150th anniversary of this historic event by hosting a reenactment of the duel at the same spot it had occurred 150 years prior.

David Broderick had been a highly regarded member of San Francisco’s Volunteer Fire Department and the foreman of Empire Engine Company No. 1. Since Broderick had served the City as a volunteer fireman, Guardians of The City (GOTC) was invited to bring a piece of fire apparatus to help commemorate the event and to pay respect to a fallen firefighter. GOTC members Firefighter Paul Barry and Mike Braun brought the SFFD Museum’s beautifully restored Fageol fire truck.

Members of the History Guild, dressed in period garb, portrayed Broderick and Terry, as well as other doctors and other witnesses to the event. Over 100 people of all ages attended the reenactment, including direct descendants of Terry. They watched as the two men playing Broderick and Terry, each clasping a pistol, started off, back to back, walked a certain number of paces, then finally turned to face each other and fired!

With a loud pop, Broderick was shot and fell, mortally wounded. Though most people in the crowd knew who the winner would be, it was still tense. The serious nature of such a duel certainly seemed to make an impression on many!

Thanks to the History Guild of Daly City/Colma for organizing a great event!