Skip to content

Our 2024 Print Your Own Calendar is now on sale! Buy now!

Lizzie Borden was born on July 19, 1860, in Fall River, Massachusetts. She became famous for a crime that shocked America. In 1892, her parents were found murdered in their home.

Lizzie faced trial for these brutal deaths. Despite strong suspicions, she was acquitted. This case remains unsolved and has intrigued people for over a century. Lizzie’s life story, marked by mystery and speculation, fascinates us today.

Lizzie Borden’s Early Years

Lizzie Borden grew up in a small city in Massachusetts. Her childhood was typical of the Victorian era. The family’s life centered around their home and the local church.

Lizzie and her older sister, Emma, had a close bond. Their mother passed away when Lizzie was just three years old. This loss deeply affected the family.

Her father, Andrew, remarried three years later. The relationship between Lizzie and her stepmother, Abby, was far from amicable.

Despite this, Lizzie received a good education. She attended Fall River High School, where she excelled in her studies. Her interest in literature and the arts was evident early on.

Lizzie also became active in church activities. She taught Sunday school to children of recent immigrants. This involvement shows her caring nature and community spirit.

Her early years painted a picture of a normal, educated young woman of her time. But, the following events would change how the world saw Lizzie Borden.

Lizzie Borden’s Life Journey

Lizzie Borden’s life path blended both notoriety and personal pursuits. After her trial, she remained in Fall River, seeking normalcy amid public scrutiny.

Lizzie and her sister Emma moved into a grand home, ‘Maplecroft,’ in a prestigious neighborhood. This move signaled a desire for a fresh start and a better life.

At ‘Maplecroft,’ Lizzie engaged in various activities. She loved hosting gatherings, displaying a flair for social events, a contrast to her previously quiet existence. Her interests went beyond socializing. Lizzie showed a deep compassion for animals, often caring for stray pets.

Lizzie’s business acumen also became evident. She made smart investments, growing her wealth. This financial savvy was rare for women of her time.

Despite her wealth and efforts to reshape her life, Lizzie couldn’t escape the cloud of the infamous case. Her life remained a topic of public fascination and speculation.

Lizzie’s later years were quieter. She lived a life marked by the contrasts of wealth and social isolation. Her relationship with her sister Emma eventually deteriorated.

The reasons for this rift remain as mysterious as much of her life. Lizzie Borden passed away on June 1, 1927, leaving behind a legacy filled with unanswered questions and enduring intrigue.

Intriguing Facts About Lizzie Borden

Father’s Wealth: Lizzie’s father, Andrew Borden, was a successful property developer. He amassed considerable wealth, which was unusual for the small town of Fall River.

Lizzie’s Alias: Lizzie often used the pseudonym ‘Lizbeth A. Borden’ in her personal affairs after the trial.

Gift to the Church: Lizzie was generous to her church, donating a stained glass window to Fall River’s Central Congregational Church.

Interest in Theater: Lizzie had a keen interest in theater and often attended plays and performances, a hobby that was considered modern for a woman of her era.

Rare Portrait: There are very few photographs of Lizzie, one of the most famous being her mugshot from her arrest.

Estate Named ‘Maplecroft’: Lizzie gave the name ‘Maplecroft’ to her new home post-trial.

Public Opinion: Public opinion on Lizzie’s guilt or innocence varied, and the debate continues in various forms to this day.

Fall River Historical Society: Items belonging to Lizzie Borden, including her bedspread and some personal items, are displayed at the Fall River Historical Society.

Also on this date...

Calendar