The events in the Borden House in Massachusetts are so gruesome that they have been immortalized in a children’s rhyme:
“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”
If you could only go to a single haunted house in your lifetime, this is definitely the place to be.
Almost everyone knows Lizzie Borden. If they do not know her and her history, at least they know the song which has been written about her. Its macabre history has given the house a grim reputation. It is now rated as one of the most haunted places on earth. Now a bed and breakfast, it attracts ghost hunters from all over the world.
Guests at the bed and breakfast have reported hearing the voice of a woman weeping softly at night. Some have reported seeing shoes move by themselves across the floor. Others have also reported seeing an older woman wearing a traditional tuck them in at night.
Television crews, as well as paranormal investigators have reported lights flickering; their video equipment turning on and off by themselves; and cameras working even when no one is there to operate them. The ghosts of Abby and Andrew, Lizzie’s father and stepmother, are said to still haunt the house.
Brief History
The Lizzie Borden house was erected in 1845. It was originally built for two families; however, it was later turned to a home for a single family. Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father, bought the house because it was near the bank where he worked and the other businesses which he owned. Since the infamous murders, the house has been a private residence. It is now a bed and breakfast where people can stay in the very rooms where the murders took place. It is now called the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast.
There is a division when it comes to opinions regarding Lizzie Borden. Lizzie is seen as a good daughter who made it her mission to ensure that her father was as comfortable as he can be. However, there is also the side of Lizzie which is believed as the bad daughter. People say that she was a bitter woman who would say bad things about her father behind his back. It is said that she would not talk to her father for days whenever she was angry with him.
The murders took place in a hot August morning. Abby, Lizzie’s stepmother, had her head almost torn off by her shoulders. She was hit by a blunt instrument as she lay face down on the floor. According to forensics, it is very likely that she saw her attacker. It was later found that her head was crushed by 19 axe or hatchet wounds. Because of the lack of blood, it was believed that Abby died after the first blow.
Andrew Borden was believed to be relaxing in the sitting room when he was struck. His head and face were so hacked that it was difficult to recognize him. One eye had been cut in half and it protruded in a ghastly manner.
Lizzie Borden was tried for the murder of her father and stepmother but was acquitted of the crimes. Until today, there is still speculation as to what really happened and if Lizzie Borden is guilty or not.