Haunted New England : The Lizzie Borden House , Fall River , Massachusetts

We all know the famous rhyme, "Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, She gave her father 41." This dark saying would be familiar to anyone who either grew up in Mass, or has seen one of the many televised investigations, a la Ghost Adventures. But do you know the true story behind this grizzly murder? 

Lizzie Borden lived in Fall River, Massachusetts from 1874 until 1892 when she was tried and acquitted for the murder of her father and step mother. 

Lizzies parents were almost unrecognizable after she had taken an axe to them. There were various rumors flying around about the exact reason she may have killed her parents, and just as many about who else may have done it. As of today, the case remains unsolved. 

Lizzie was considered to be mentally unstable and she and her sister were considered spinsters at the time, because they were unmarried and in their 30s. This was unheard of at the time and raised suspicions amongst neighbors and towns people, as even Lizzie and her sister had a lot to gain by the death of their father and step mother. However, all is not lost, in March of 2012, journals that were kept by Lizzie's defense attorney were discovered, which may shed new light on the decades old case. 

Fact vs Myth:

The rhyme leads you to believe it took Lizzie an excessive amount of "whacks" to kill her parents, this in fact is not the case. Lizzie's step mother was actually found to be murdered first, with 19 blows to her body. Her father was found to be killed after, it took only 10-11 blows. 

There are other rumors that were documented involving Lizzie and her sisters relations, because they dont really add to the article I am presenting here and they may be triggering to some, I will omit them. They are, however, easily accessible through a Google search. 

Claims of a haunting:

Popular paranormal investigation show Ghost Adventures did a "lock down" at the Lizzie Borden House for one of their episodes in 2011. They made an attempt to speak to Lizzie and any spirits that may still reside at the home, that is now a Bed & Breakfast. 

The crew was able to gather the usual evidence that they seem to get in almost every episode... A little bit of everything.  

While Ghost Adventures reputation is declining in recent years, there is some compelling evidence gathered from their time at the house that should at least be considered. 

Evidence gathered by Ghost Adventures Crew:

1. Cold spot about the size of a small child
2. Cold breeze during an active seance (do NOT perform a seance, they are often disrespectful and dangerous)
3. Dresser drawer moved/opened on its own
4. Flash light turns on by itself
5. Angry feelings at various points during lock down
6. Heard shuffling, footsteps and strange noises
7. Voices heard on spirit box : "Abby", "Borden" ,"Keep on killing"

etc.

Please keep in mind that the words they claim to have heard are determined by ear only, therefore we cannot 100% say that this is exactly what was said, as some of the words and phrases do not make sense and do not seem to relate to the location or case. 

How Would I investigate?

Well, since Ive heard many stories, rumors and legends about the location it would be hard to go in there uninfluenced. However, I would go into it with zero expectations, and let whatever happens, happen. No provoking is needed and it is disrespectful. In this case, a trigger object may also be helpful in starting a line of communication. Asking questions that are specific and direct as possible is helpful to getting more clear answers and less cryptic messages. 

Room at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast.