Current Ownership and Property Status
The Lizzy Borden House, located at 92 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, is currently owned by a private individual who acquired the property after it operated as a bed and breakfast. The home is a Victorian-era structure built in the 1840s and is most famously known as the scene of the 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. The property changed hands multiple times over the decades, transitioning from a family residence to a tourist attraction and short-term rental property. Its current status reflects ongoing interest in historic properties tied to true crime, with the building remaining a subject of local preservation discussions and real estate activity in the Fall River area. The home's notoriety continues to drive curiosity and visitor inquiries, even as it functions as a private residence rather than a public museum.
Real estate valuations for properties with historical notoriety often differ significantly from standard comparable sales in the same neighborhood. The Lizzy Borden House benefits from its cultural recognition, which can influence perceived value among buyers interested in heritage or tourism-linked assets. Local property records indicate that homes in the immediate vicinity of the murder site typically appraise within the range of other Victorian properties in Fall River, though the unique history may add a premium for niche buyers. The property's square footage, lot size, and condition remain the primary determinants of its market price, with the infamous association acting as a secondary factor that affects public interest more than official tax assessments.
Historical Background and the 1892 Murders
The Lizzy Borden House was the residence of Andrew Jackson Borden, his wife Abby Durfee Gray, and their daughter Lizzie Borden. On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby were found murdered inside the home, each killed by multiple blows with a hatchet or similar cleaver-like weapon. Lizzie Borden, then 32 years old, was arrested and subsequently tried for the murders in a case that drew national attention. The trial took place in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and lasted several weeks, with the prosecution presenting circumstantial evidence while the defense focused on Lizzie's demeanor and the lack of a clear motive. The jury acquitted Lizzie Borden on June 20, 1893, and she lived in the house until her death in 1927.
The murders and subsequent trial became a defining event in American true crime history, with the case covered extensively by newspapers of the era and later adapted into books, films, and television documentaries. The house itself became a landmark associated with the crime, attracting visitors and paranormal investigators for decades. In the mid-20th century, the property was converted into a museum and later a bed and breakfast, allowing guests to stay in the rooms where the events unfolded. The Lizzie Borden House operated as a hospitality venue for many years, leveraging its macabre history to attract tourists, before returning to private ownership. The building's preservation has been supported by local historical societies and interest groups that recognize its role in the cultural narrative of Fall River and the broader history of crime reporting in the United States.
Visiting the Lizzy Borden House and Nearby Attractions
While the Lizzy Borden House is not currently open to the public as a museum or inn, its exterior and historical significance continue to draw visitors to the neighborhood. The property is situated in a residential area of Fall River, and passersby often photograph the distinctive Victorian architecture and the side gate where the murders are believed to have occurred. The Fall River Historical Society maintains resources and exhibits related to the case, offering context about the Borden family, the trial, and the broader social conditions of the late 19th century. Visitors interested in the history of the property can explore nearby sites such as the Fall River Heritage State Park, which provides additional insight into the industrial and cultural history of the region.
The Lizzy Borden House