Lizzie Borden House – Haunted Historic Home in Fall River, Massachusetts

The Lizzie Borden House stands as one of America’s most infamous haunted homes, forever linked to the gruesome 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. This quiet, unassuming house became the scene of a crime that shocked the nation, and to this day, it remains a chilling reminder of the violence that occurred within its walls. With reports of ghostly apparitions, eerie whispers, and unexplained activity, the Lizzie Borden House has cemented its reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1845
• Original Purpose: Private Residence
• Significant Events:
  In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found brutally murdered inside their family home. Andrew was discovered slumped on a sofa, his face nearly unrecognizable from multiple axe blows. Upstairs, Abby lay face down in a pool of blood, her skull caved in. Suspicion quickly fell on Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie Borden, whose strange behavior and conflicting testimony led to her arrest. Though Lizzie was acquitted, the murders remain officially unsolved, leaving behind a legacy of fear, suspicion, and ghostly unrest.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Visitors and staff frequently report phantom footsteps, especially on the main staircase and in the bedrooms.
• Cold spots and unexplained touches are common, with some guests feeling invisible hands tug at their clothes or brush against their skin.
• The sound of a woman weeping is often heard in Abby’s bedroom, where she died.
• Guests have reported objects moving on their own, doors opening and closing, and the faint scent of flowers drifting through the halls.
• The spirits of Andrew and Abby Borden are believed to remain, along with other shadowy figures linked to the home’s grim history.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• Who are the ghosts?
  The most frequently encountered spirits are believed to be Andrew and Abby Borden themselves, replaying their final moments or watching over the house. Lizzie’s presence has also been reported, though her ghost is said to be more elusive. Some visitors even claim to have seen a woman in period clothing, standing silently in the parlor where Andrew was murdered.
• What do visitors report?
  Common reports include disembodied voices, laughter echoing from empty rooms, and the chilling sensation of being watched. Some guests have awoken to see a spectral figure standing at the foot of their bed, while others have captured mysterious shadows and orbs in photographs.
• Any local folklore associated with these spirits?
  A long-standing rumor suggests Lizzie’s spirit remains in the house, restless and angry at being accused of the murders. Some believe the house itself harbors a darker, malevolent force, feeding off the infamy and suffering tied to the murders.
• Urban Legends:
  Local legend claims that staying in Lizzie’s old bedroom invites vivid nightmares, often involving blood, axes, and shadowy figures lurking in the corners.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

• The guest room, formerly Abby Borden’s bedroom, is widely considered the most haunted area. Visitors often report seeing a figure lying face down on the floor, only for it to vanish upon closer inspection. This is the very spot where Abby was murdered. Cold drafts, flickering lights, and ghostly whispers make this room a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies based on tour and overnight stay package
• Tour Availability: Daily historical and paranormal tours available; overnight stays for the brave
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Typically 10 AM – 5 PM for tours; overnight stays by reservation

Best Time to Visit

• Fall and winter months, particularly around the anniversary of the murders in August, seem to amplify the activity. Many guests report the house feels more active after dark, especially during storms.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

• Paranormal investigators have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) with voices answering direct questions, including chilling responses like “I didn’t do it” and “Help me.”
• One guest claimed to wake up to find her bed covers violently yanked off, followed by a cold breeze passing over her body.
• In 2005, a paranormal team filmed a door opening on its own, with no visible cause.
• Guests staying in Andrew’s bedroom often report the sensation of someone sitting on the bed, accompanied by deep sighs or muttering.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• The house has been featured on numerous shows, including Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, and Most Terrifying Places in America.
• Investigators have documented temperature drops, unexplained electromagnetic spikes, and clear audio recordings believed to be from the Borden family.
• Psychic mediums visiting the home have reported contact with a distraught female spirit, believed to be Abby, who relives her murder in an endless loop.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Guests are advised not to provoke the spirits, as some visitors have reported sudden feelings of dread, nausea, or unexplained scratches after disrespectful behavior.
• Due to the house’s age, some areas may be off-limits during maintenance, particularly the basement.

Cursed or Haunted Objects

• The replica axe displayed in the house is rumored to move slightly on its own. Some visitors feel a wave of dizziness when standing too close to it, particularly at night.