Lizzie Borden House

  The Lizzie Borden House, located at 230 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, is infamous for its association with the 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. The house is now a historic site and bed-and-breakfast, attracting visitors interested in its macabre history. Here’s a detailed look at the history of the Lizzie Borden House:

Early History

Construction (1845):

• The house was built in 1845 by Andrew Borden, a wealthy and prominent businessman in Fall River. Andrew Borden was a successful property developer and owner of various businesses, including a sawmill and a coal yard.
• The house is a Victorian-style residence, designed in the Second Empire style with a mansard roof and wooden clapboard siding. It features a symmetrical facade and a central hallway, typical of mid-19th century American architecture.

Borden Family Life:

• Andrew Borden lived in the house with his wife, Abby Borden, and his two daughters, Emma and Lizzie Borden. Lizzie was 32 years old at the time of the murders, and Emma was 41. The Borden family led a relatively quiet life, though they were known for their strict and austere lifestyle.
• The family had a strained relationship, particularly between Lizzie and her stepmother, Abby. Tensions within the household were often noted by neighbors and acquaintances.

The Murders

Incident (August 4, 1892):

• On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally murdered in their home. Andrew was found dead in the living room with multiple axe wounds to the head, while Abby was discovered in an upstairs bedroom with similar injuries.
• Lizzie Borden was the primary suspect in the case. She was arrested and charged with the murders, though she maintained her innocence throughout the investigation and trial.

Trial and Acquittal (1893):

• The trial of Lizzie Borden began in June 1893. The prosecution argued that Lizzie had the motive and opportunity to commit the murders, while the defense presented a case that there was insufficient evidence to convict her.
• Lizzie was ultimately acquitted of all charges on June 20, 1893, due to lack of concrete evidence and conflicting testimonies. The case remains unsolved, and many theories about the true culprit persist to this day.

Post-Trial History

Lizzie Borden's Life After Trial:

• After her acquittal, Lizzie lived in Fall River for several years but faced social ostracism. She and her sister Emma eventually moved out of the family home and lived separately.
• Lizzie changed her name to Lizbeth and lived a relatively private life until her death on June 1, 1927. She spent her later years in a new home, known as "Maplecroft," which she purchased with her inheritance.

The House's Transformation:

• After the Borden family left the house, it had various uses over the years, including as a boarding house and a residence for different families.
• In the 1990s, the house was purchased and transformed into a museum and bed-and-breakfast. The property was meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during the late 19th century, and it now serves as a historical attraction for those interested in the Borden case and Victorian history.

The House Today

Museum and Bed-and-Breakfast:

• The Lizzie Borden House operates as both a museum and a bed-and-breakfast. Visitors can take guided tours of the house to learn about the Borden family, the murders, and the trial.
• The house is furnished with period-appropriate artifacts, and tours often include information about the various theories and speculations surrounding the case.
• The bed-and-breakfast aspect allows guests to stay in the historic home, with some rooms retaining their original features and décor.

Cultural Impact:

• The Borden case has inspired numerous books, films, and other media adaptations. The rhyme “Lizzie Borden took an axe” is a well-known piece of American folklore associated with the case.
• The house remains a popular destination for those fascinated by true crime and historical mysteries, and it continues to attract interest from historians, paranormal investigators, and tourists alike.

The Lizzie Borden House stands as a significant historical and cultural landmark, with its history deeply intertwined with one of the most famous unsolved murder cases in American history.