The Lizzie Borden House: Haunting Grounds of a Gruesome Crime

The case of Lizzie Borden has become one of the most infamous murder mysteries in American history. Lizzie Borden was accused and later acquitted of the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother, Andrew and Abby Borden, in 1892. The murders were grizzly and shocking, and media coverage of the case captivated the nation. The details of the crime were horrifying: Andrew Borden and Abby Borden were found bludgeoned to death in their own home, with Andrew having been struck multiple times in the head and Abby suffering a similarly brutal fate. Lizzie Borden immediately became a person of interest in the investigation. The prosecution argued that she had a motive, as she stood to inherit a substantial fortune upon her parents' deaths.

Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks;
And when she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty-one.

She was nonetheless ostracized thereafter by the people of her native Fall River, Massachusetts, where she continued to live until her death in 1927. Her father, by contrast, was reputedly dour and parsimonious as well as eminently wealthy and Lizzie and her elder sister Emma were ever at odds with him and their stepmother, often over financial matters.

The prosecution argued that she had a motive, as she stood to inherit a substantial fortune upon her parents' deaths. Furthermore, testimony claimed that her relationship with her stepmother was strained, providing a possible reason for her to commit such a heinous act. However, Lizzie Borden steadfastly maintained her innocence throughout the trial.

Lizzie Borden

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• Famous Trials - Lizzie Borden Trial (1893)
• History Cooperative - Biography of Lizzie Borden
• Crime Museum - Biography of Lizzie Borden

• Lizzie Borden - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Famous Trials - Lizzie Borden Trial (1893)
• History Cooperative - Biography of Lizzie Borden
• Crime Museum - Biography of Lizzie Borden

• Lizzie Borden - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

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Lizzie Borden, in full Lizzie Andrew Borden, (born July 19, 1860, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.—died June 1, 1927, Fall River), American woman suspected of murdering her stepmother and father in 1892; her trial became a national sensation in the United States.

Borden was the daughter of a well-to-do businessman who married for a second time in 1865, three years after Lizzie’s mother died. Lizzie was popular and engaged in charitable work. Her father, by contrast, was reputedly dour and parsimonious—as well as eminently wealthy—and Lizzie and her elder sister Emma were ever at odds with him and their stepmother, often over financial matters. On a Thursday morning, August 4, 1892, Mr. Borden left home to conduct his business, leaving in the house, besides his wife, an Irish maid (Bridget Sullivan) and Lizzie. (Emma was away visiting.) On his return, he settled on a couch for a nap. About 11:15 am , Lizzie (according to her testimony) discovered her father dead, repeatedly struck in the head with a sharp instrument. Upstairs his wife’s body was found, even more brutally mutilated; examination proved that her death had preceded her husband’s by an hour or so. It was found that Lizzie had tried to purchase prussic acid (a poison) on August 3, and a few days later she was alleged to have burned a dress in a stove. Sullivan, who also has been suspected, later that evening reportedly left the house carrying an unexamined parcel. No weapon was found, though an axe found in the basement was suspected.

Lizzie was arrested and tried for both murders in June 1893 but was acquitted, given the circumstantial evidence. She was nonetheless ostracized thereafter by the people of her native Fall River, Massachusetts, where she continued to live until her death in 1927. The grisly murders inspired a great many books, both serious studies and fiction; Fall River Legend (1948), a ballet by Agnes de Mille; an opera, Lizzie Borden (1965), by Jack Beeson and Kenward Elmslie; and one immortal, if slightly inaccurate, quatrain:

Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks;
And when she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty-one.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Michael Ray.

The defense presented an alternate theory, proposing that an outsider had committed the murders while Lizzie was out of the house. Lizzie's defense attorney argued that there was a lack of substantial evidence linking her to the crime, and the jury ultimately agreed, acquitting her of all charges. Though she was acquitted in the eyes of the law, public opinion remained divided. Many believed Lizzie Borden was guilty, and rumors and speculation about her involvement in the murders continued to circulate for years. The case went on to inspire countless books, movies, and plays, further immortalizing Lizzie Borden and her alleged crimes. To this day, the mystery of Lizzie Borden and the unsolved murders of her father and stepmother still captivate the public. Despite the acquittal, the case has left a lasting and haunting legacy, forever etching the name "Lizzie Borden" into the annals of American crime history..

Reviews for "Lizzie Borden: The Fall from Wealthy Socialite to Accused Murderer"

1. John Smith - 1/5

I found "The Curse of Lizzie Borden" to be extremely disappointing. The plot was convoluted and unclear, leaving me feeling confused throughout the entire film. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them or care about their fates. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that failed to convey any emotion. Overall, I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for a captivating and well-executed horror film.

2. Emily Johnson - 2/5

"The Curse of Lizzie Borden" had potential, but ultimately fell short for me. While the premise of the film was intriguing, the execution was lacking. The pacing was slow, and the story meandered without a clear direction. Additionally, the scare factor was minimal, and the suspenseful moments felt forced and predictable. The acting was average, with some performances bordering on unconvincing. Overall, while it wasn't the worst horror film I've seen, it failed to leave a lasting impression and left me wanting more.

3. Chris Thompson - 1/5

I regret watching "The Curse of Lizzie Borden." The film was filled with clichés and tired tropes, making it feel unoriginal and uninspired. The scare tactics employed were predictable and relied heavily on jump scares, which became repetitive and lost their effectiveness. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any noteworthy development. The plot itself was convoluted and left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. I would not recommend wasting your time on this lackluster horror film.

4. Sarah Hughes - 2/5

"The Curse of Lizzie Borden" had an intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing was inconsistent, with long periods of boredom followed by rushed and chaotic scenes. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to invest in. The scares were few and far between, leaving me underwhelmed. While the film had potential, it ultimately left me feeling disappointed and wanting more substance. I would not consider it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.

The Trial of Lizzie Borden: A Flawed Justice System Exposed