In the heart of Fall River, Massachusetts, the Lizzie Borden House sits a renovated and restored bed and breakfast where history meets intrigue and the supernatural. This humble home would become the site of one of the most notorious murder cases in American history, a case that captured the imagination of the public for well more than a century.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Lizzie Andrew Borden | |
| July 19, 1860, Fall River, Massachusetts | |
| June 1, 1927, Fall River, Massachusetts | |
| Socialite, Charity Worker | |
| Over $250,000 (equivalent to about $5,884,000 in 2023) | |
| Originally at 92 Second Street (later changed to 230), Fall River. Later moved to ‘Maplecroft’ at 7 French Street. | |
| Approximately $300,000 (equivalent to about $9 million today) | |
| Acquitted of murdering her father and stepmother in 1893 |
Today, the Lizzie Borden House serves as a bed-and-breakfast and museum, allowing guests a peek at the grim happenings that took place on its grounds. And insdde of its legendary past, the historical house is also known for unexplained paranormal activity that attracts a number of ghost hunters.
Trip down memory lane: History of the Lizzie Borden House
The Day of Doom: August 4, 1892
The tale of the Lizzie Borden House starts with a crime so horrific it rocked the nation. On the morning of August 4, 1892, Andrew Borden — a wealthy but miserly businessman — and his stepmother, Abby Borden, were found murdered at home. Both had been hit repeatedly with a hatchet — Abby 19 times and Andrew 11.
The savagery of the killings quickly garnered widespread notice. Though she was home during the murders, Lizzie Borden claimed she had heard nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn’t long before suspicion turned to her, based on inconsistencies in her testimony and a contentious relationship with her stepmother.
The Trial That Shook a Nation
Lizzie Borden’s trial in 1893 became a media sensation, as reporters descended on Fall River to write about every gory detail. The prosecution contended that Lizzie had murdered her parents because of a combination of financial arguments and resentment. But the defense countered with a lack of physical evidence linking Lizzie to the crime. Following a sensational trial, Lizzie was acquitted, but the public remained split. Was she really innocent, or had she escaped justice for murder?
The House Through the Years
After the trial, Lizzie stayed in Fall River until her death in 1927, but she never went back to the family home. In the years that followed, the Lizzie Borden House went from a private home to a tourist destination. It is now part museum and part bed-and-breakfast, preserving the Borden family’s chilling legacy.
The Significance of History and Pop Culture
The Lizzie Borden case left a long shadow on popular culture, inspiring books, movies and even a spooky children’s rhyme:
“Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother forty whacks…”
The story has been revisited in everything from true crime documentaries to fictionalized retellings. The house itself, untouched by time, is a tangible reminder of that dark period in American history.
Lizzie Borden House Essential Attractions and Experiences
House Tours: Take a Step Back in Time
A guided house tour is one of the most popular things to do at the Lizzie Borden House. Walking inside, you’ll be blasted back to 1892, as period-appropriate furnishings and decor reconstructs the feel of the fateful day. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the home, imparting chilling details about the murders and the trial.
Highlights of the Tour:
Central to the tour is the murder room, where Abby Borden’s body was discovered.
- The dining room, used for examinations of the victims, serves as a grim reminder of the house’s dark history.
- Read about Lizzie’s life, her trial and the residual puzzles surrounding the case.
Ghost Tours & Paranormal Hunts
And for anyone seeking a more spine-tingling experience, the Lizzie Borden House also provides evening tour experiences led by docents, as well as interactive paranormal hunts. The haunting side of the house, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Andrew, Abby and possibly Lizzie herself, comes out in these events.
What to Expect:
Discover the house’s most famous ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena, including disembodied footsteps and doors that open of their own accord.
- Ghost-Hunting Equipment To Pick Up Paranormal Activity
- Listen to bone-chilling stories from past visitors and paranormal researchers.
Where to Stay: Sleep in History
One of the scariest places to visit for the most courageous is the Lizzie Borden House, which allows guests to stay virtually overnight. The house is a bed-and-breakfast, with rooms that can be rented.
Notable Rooms:
- The infamous murder room, where Abby Borden met her alleged demise, is a popular stop amongst the thrill-seeking pool of travelers.
- Other rooms, like Lizzie’s bedroom, have an atmosphere that is more subdued but no less menacing.
- Guests regularly note odd happenings while they’re staying there, from lights that flicker to unexplained noises. Even if you don’t experience anything supernatural, spending the night in the Lizzie Borden House is an experience that you won’t forget.
Gift Shop and Memorabilia
Be sure to stop by the gift shop — no trip to the Lizzie Borden House would be complete without one! Here, they offer many themed products, from clothes and books to weird items such as Lizzie Borden bobblehead dolls.
Popular souvenirs include:
- T-shirts and mugs inscribed with the infamous rhyme.
- Books on the house’s history and hauntings.
- One-of-a-kind collectibles for the true crime aficionado
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A Cultural Phenomenon
The Lizzie Borden House has endured as a cultural touchstone for America’s obsession with true crime. The case has been the focus of innumerable books, films and documentaries, allowing its story to be shared with new generations. The house is itself a shrine to this cultural preoccupation, attracting pilgrims from across the world.
Paranormal Legends and Ghost Stories
Its reputation as a center of paranormal activity only increases the allure of the house. Reports from guests and staff include hearing footsteps, seeing shadowy figures and feeling sudden cold spots. The house has been visited by multiple paranormal investigators, many of whom leave with chilling evidence of ghostly activity.
In Media and Popular Culture
From the Lifetime movie Lizzie Borden Took an Ax to the haunting miniseries The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, the tale has inspired ample creative reinterpretation. The house’s place in pop culture guarantees that it stays an alluring destination for history buffs and ghost hunters alike.
Things to Know Before You Go All your visiting and planning needs
If you’re ready to experience your own Lizzie Borden House, here’s what you need to know:
Opening Hours and Tour Schedules
- Day Tours: From around 10 AM to around 4 PM.
- Ghost Tours: Evening and private tours available.
How to Book Accommodations and Tours
- Reservations: Advance booking of your room, or your tour, is recommended since these fill up.
- Price: Regular tours range from $25-$30 per person, with ghost hunts and overnight stays priced higher.
Nearby Attractions
When in Fall River, also check out these other local attractions, including:
- The Battleship Cove, where historic naval vessels go to die.
- The Fall River Historical Society, which provides more context about the area’s history.
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