The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, grabs attention like a spooky campfire tale. It’s not just a house—it’s the site of one of America’s creepiest unsolved mysteries. In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally killed with a hatchet in this very home, and Lizzie Borden, their daughter, was accused but never convicted.
Now, this place is a bed-and-breakfast and museum, drawing thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. People stay overnight, hoping to catch a ghostly vibe or unravel the chilling puzzle of what happened that fateful day. With its eerie past and Victorian charm, the Lizzie Borden House isn’t just a building—it’s a time capsule of mystery. Curious about its history, features, or value? Keep reading to dive into the haunting world of this infamous home.
Who Was Lizzie Borden?
Lizzie Borden wasn’t your typical celebrity—she became famous for a grim reason. Born in 1860 in Fall River, Massachusetts, she grew up in a wealthy but frugal household. Her father, Andrew Borden, was a big deal in town, owning businesses and property worth about $10 million in today’s money. Despite the cash, the family lived simply, with no indoor plumbing in their home, which was odd for their status. Lizzie was a church-going woman, involved in local groups, but tensions brewed at home.
She and her sister Emma didn’t get along with their stepmother, Abby, and fought with their father over money. After the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby, Lizzie’s trial made headlines. Though acquitted, she was shunned by society. She didn’t own cars, yachts, private islands, or jets—those weren’t common back then. But she did inherit a fortune and later bought a fancy house called Maplecroft.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lizzie Andrew Borden |
| Birth Date | July 19, 1860 |
| Birth Place | Fall River, Massachusetts |
| Death Date | June 1, 1927 |
| Occupation | None (Socialite and Heiress) |
| Net Worth | Inherited ~$10-$12 million (2024 equivalent) after 1892 |
| Total Homes | 2 (Lizzie Borden House, Maplecroft) |
| Notable Assets | Maplecroft home, jewelry, shares in utilities, commercial properties |
| Famous For | Accused and acquitted of 1892 axe murders of father and stepmother |
Where Does Lizzie Borden Live Now?
Lizzie Borden passed away in 1927, so she doesn’t live anywhere today. After her trial, she left the Lizzie Borden House at 230 Second Street in Fall River, where the murders happened. She and her sister Emma used their inheritance to buy a bigger, fancier home called Maplecroft at 306 French Street, also in Fall River. Lizzie lived there until her death, hoping for a fresh start in a posher neighborhood called The Hill.
But even there, people in town avoided her, still whispering about the murders. Maplecroft was a grand Victorian mansion, a far cry from the simpler Lizzie Borden House. Today, that original murder house is a tourist hotspot, while Maplecroft is a private home, sometimes listed for sale but not open to the public.
Lizzie Borden House
The Lizzie Borden House at 230 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, is like a page ripped from a true-crime book. Built in 1845, it was a two-family home until Andrew Borden bought it in 1872 and turned it into one house for his family. On August 4, 1892, this place became infamous when Andrew and Abby Borden were hacked to death with a hatchet—Andrew on a sofa in the sitting room, Abby in an upstairs guest room. Lizzie, then 32, was charged but acquitted, leaving the case unsolved.
Now, the house is a bed-and-breakfast and museum, pulling in folks who want to sleep where the murders happened or hunt for ghosts. It’s been restored to look like it did in 1892, with creepy details like replica furniture and crime scene props. Owned by Lance Zaal since 2021, it’s valued at $2 million and offers tours, ghost hunts, and even axe-throwing
1. Where Is Lizzie Borden House?
The Lizzie Borden House sits at 230 Second Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, right in the heart of a busy, middle-class area. Back in the 1890s, it was close to Andrew Borden’s businesses, just a block from Main Street, which is why he picked it. Fall River was a bustling textile town then, and the house was surrounded by horse-drawn buggies and street noise. Today, it’s still in a lively part of town, near landmarks like the Charles Braga Jr. Bridge (0.2 miles away) and the International Culinary Institute (0.3 miles).
The house is easy to find, with free parking in a small lot behind it. Its location makes it a perfect stop for tourists exploring Fall River’s history or nearby attractions like Battleship Cove. Despite its grim past, the neighborhood feels safe and welcoming, blending old-school charm with modern vibes.
2. Features of Lizzie Borden House
The Lizzie Borden House is a Greek Revival-style home, built in 1845, with about 3,000 square feet. It’s got six bedrooms, making it cozy but not huge. Andrew Borden turned it from two apartments into one family home, but he skipped modern upgrades like indoor plumbing or electricity—pretty stingy for a rich guy! Instead, the family used chamber pots and a basement privy. The house has no hallways, so you walk through one room to get to another, and it’s loaded with locks, adding to its eerie feel.
Today, it’s decked out to look like 1892, with floral wallpaper, Victorian furniture, and creepy touches like a mannequin in the guest room where Abby was killed. Recent upgrades include a new HVAC system, mold-free bathrooms, and a safer stove (the old one was a fire hazard). Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen, lounge, and air-conditioned rooms.
The design screams old-school Victorian, with detailed woodwork and period decor. The sitting room has a replica settee where Andrew was murdered, and the guest room mimics the crime scene where Abby was found. The house also has a gift shop with spooky souvenirs like hatchets and a Lizzie Borden board game. Owner Lance Zaal added display cases for artifacts, like Lizzie’s books and a dress from a 1975 movie about her. The barn out back houses the gift shop, and the whole place feels like stepping into a chilling history lesson. It’s both a home and a stage for murder mystery nights, ghost tours, and even weddings, blending creepy vibes with modern comforts.
Lizzie Borden’s Real Estate Portfolio
Lizzie Borden didn’t have a sprawling real estate empire, but she owned two key properties. First, there’s the Lizzie Borden House at 230 Second Street, Fall River, where she lived with her family from 1872 until the 1892 murders. This 3,000-square-foot Greek Revival home was middle-class, in a busy area near downtown. After her acquittal, Lizzie inherited a fortune and wanted out. She and Emma bought Maplecroft, a 3,935-square-foot Queen Anne-style mansion at 306 French Street in Fall River’s upscale The Hill neighborhood.
Maplecroft had seven bedrooms, stained glass, six fireplaces, and fancy details like carved mantels and walnut wainscoting. Lizzie lived there from 1893 until her death in 1927. It was listed for $890,000 in 2020 but didn’t sell as a bed-and-breakfast due to city rules and COVID-19. Today, it’s a private home, not open to tourists. Lizzie also owned commercial properties and utility shares, but no childhood or other homes are noted.
Conclusion
The Lizzie Borden House is more than just a building—it’s a window into a dark slice of American history. Its $2 million price tag reflects its value as a unique bed-and-breakfast and museum, packed with Victorian charm and chilling stories. From its Greek Revival design to its creepy artifacts, the house pulls in curious visitors who want to sleep where a famous crime went down or hunt for ghosts. Lizzie’s life, from her frugal upbringing to her infamous trial and move to Maplecroft, shows a woman caught between wealth and scandal.
Whether you’re into true crime, history, or spooky vibes, this house delivers. Want to visit or even own it? It’s a one-of-a-kind chance to step into a mystery that still grips the world.
FAQs about Lizzie Borden
What was Lizzie Borden accused of?
Lizzie Borden was accused of the axe murders of her father Andrew Borden and stepmother Abby Borden. The murders took place on August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts. She was the only suspect and was tried for these murders but was ultimately acquitted.
How many whacks did Lizzie actually give?
The popular rhyme says Lizzie gave her mother “forty whacks” and her father “forty-one,” but the actual number of blows was 29 in total—far fewer than the 81 suggested by the rhyme.
Is there anyone alive related to Lizzie Borden?
Lizzie and her sister Emma had no children and thus left no direct descendants. However, there are descendants from Andrew Borden’s extended family, such as cousins from his brothers and uncles. Some distant relatives exist, but no direct descendants from Lizzie or Emma.
How many people died in Lizzie Borden?
Two people died in the Borden household on August 4, 1892: Andrew Borden (her father) and Abigail “Abby” Borden (her stepmother).
