Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—February 20: The Eleventh Duel Commandment? No Dueling Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 18, 2026 •History On this day in 1839 Congress banned the ritual that Lin-Manuel Miranda made famous in the hit musical Hamilton. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on February 20, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox every morning. They outlawed dueling in Washington, D.C., with a law so thorough it basically banned vibes. No challenging someone to...

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