35 Facts About Lizzie Borden

The Infamous Lizzie Borden

Lizzie Borden is a name that has intrigued and horrified people for over a century. Her story is filled with mystery, speculation, and a gruesome crime that remains unsolved. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about Lizzie Borden.

1. Lizzie Andrew Borden was born on July 19, 1860, in Fall River, Massachusetts.
2. Her mother, Sarah Borden, died when Lizzie was just two years old.
3. Lizzie's father, Andrew Borden, was a wealthy and influential businessman.
4. Andrew Borden remarried three years after Sarah's death, to a woman named Abby Durfee Gray.
5. Lizzie had an older sister named Emma, who was nine years her senior.

The Gruesome Murders

The Borden household became the scene of one of the most infamous crimes in American history. The brutal murders of Andrew and Abby Borden shocked the nation.

6. On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found murdered in their home.
7. Andrew was found on the couch in the sitting room, his face nearly unrecognizable from the blows.
8. Abby was discovered upstairs in the guest bedroom, also brutally attacked.
9. Both victims were killed with a hatchet or axe, receiving multiple blows to the head.
10. Lizzie was the one who discovered her father's body and alerted the maid, Bridget Sullivan.

The Investigation and Trial

The investigation into the Borden murders was intense and highly publicized. Lizzie quickly became the prime suspect.

11. Lizzie was arrested on August 11, 1892, just a week after the murders.
12. The trial began on June 5, 1893, and lasted for 14 days.
13. Lizzie's defense argued that she was a respectable woman incapable of such violence.
14. The prosecution presented evidence, including Lizzie's attempt to purchase prussic acid (a poison) the day before the murders.
15. Despite the evidence, Lizzie was acquitted on June 20, 1893.

Life After the Trial

After her acquittal, Lizzie's life was never the same. She remained in Fall River but lived a reclusive life.

16. Lizzie and her sister Emma inherited their father's estate, which was valued at around $300,000.
17. The sisters purchased a new home in Fall River, which they named "Maplecroft."
18. Lizzie changed her name to Lizbeth A. Borden to distance herself from the scandal.
19. Emma moved out of Maplecroft in 1905, and the sisters never spoke again.
20. Lizzie was ostracized by the community and lived a lonely life until her death.

Theories and Speculations

Over the years, numerous theories and speculations have emerged about the Borden murders. Some are plausible, while others are far-fetched.

21. Some believe Lizzie was guilty but had an accomplice, possibly Bridget Sullivan.
22. Another theory suggests that Lizzie's uncle, John Morse, was involved in the murders.
23. Some speculate that Lizzie suffered from a mental illness that drove her to commit the crimes.
24. There are theories that Andrew Borden had enemies who sought revenge by killing him and his wife.
25. Despite the many theories, no conclusive evidence has ever been found to solve the case.

Lizzie Borden in Popular Culture

Lizzie Borden's story has inspired countless books, movies, and even a nursery rhyme. Her tale continues to captivate audiences.

26. The famous rhyme, "Lizzie Borden took an axe," was created by an anonymous writer and became widely known.
27. Numerous books have been written about Lizzie, including "The Trial of Lizzie Borden" by Cara Robertson.
28. The 1975 TV movie "The Legend of Lizzie Borden" starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Lizzie.
29. In 2014, Christina Ricci portrayed Lizzie in the Lifetime movie "Lizzie Borden Took an Ax."
30. The story was also adapted into a TV series, "The Lizzie Borden Chronicles," which aired in 2015.

The Legacy of Lizzie Borden

Lizzie Borden's legacy is a mix of horror, fascination, and mystery. Her story continues to be a subject of interest for true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.

31. The Borden house in Fall River is now a bed and breakfast, where guests can stay in the rooms where the murders occurred.
32. The house is also a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal investigators.
33. Lizzie Borden's grave is located in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River, where she is buried alongside her family.
34. The case remains one of the most famous unsolved murders in American history.
35. Lizzie Borden's story serves as a reminder of how a single event can capture the public's imagination and become a lasting part of cultural history.

Lizzie Borden's Legacy

Lizzie Borden's story remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in American history. Her trial, acquittal, and the gruesome details of the murders have kept people fascinated for over a century. Whether she was guilty or innocent, her name has become synonymous with unsolved crimes and dark family secrets. The Borden house, now a museum, attracts countless visitors eager to step into the past and explore the scene of the infamous crime. Lizzie's life after the trial, filled with isolation and suspicion, adds another layer to her enigmatic persona. Her legacy, shrouded in mystery, continues to captivate and perplex. As we reflect on these facts, it's clear that Lizzie Borden's story is more than just a tale of murder; it's a complex narrative that challenges our understanding of justice, family, and human nature.