“Lizzie Borden Took an Axe…

 
…and gave her father 40 whacks.”
Do you remember the folk song made popular by the Chad Mitchell Trio during the 1960s?
The house where Lizzie allegedly did the foul deed in 1892 is open as a museum and bed and breakfast. The tour took us through all of the rooms, including the room in which Andrew Borden was chopped, and the guest room upstairs where Lizzie’s step mother was killed.
And by the way, the song was wrong, Mr. Borden died with his shoes on, as you can see in the photo.
  The tour guide, who works as the cook in the house, was very knowledgeable about the case and the trial. The crime scene photos are on display in the very rooms where they were taken, and although the Borden furniture is long gone, the place is furnished with pieces that look a lot like the originals.
After spending a long time in jail awaiting trial, Lizzie was acquitted of the crime, but it is widely believed she was guilty.
If you have an interest in the turn-of-the-century American justice system, in 19^th century history, or just have a morbid curiosity, the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum is a worthwhile visit. Tours are from 11am until 3pm on the hour.
The B&B/Museum is in an urban area, and although there is a small parking lot, parking a big rig might be problematic. Several public and private campgrounds are located within 30 miles of the house. Fall River, MA is relatively close to Newport, RI and Cape Cod, MA, so a visit here might be a side trip from either of those vacation destinations.
Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum, 230 Second St. Fall River, MA.
508-675-7333
www.lizzie-borden.com
Photos: Lew Pinsker.