Lizzie Borden is one of the most notorious figures in American history. She was accused of brutally killing her father and stepmother with a hatchet in 1892, but was acquitted after a sensational trial that captivated the nation. But what happened to Lizzie after the trial? How did she die and where is she buried?
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The Life of Lizzie Borden After the Trial
Lizzie Borden and her older sister Emma inherited their father’s fortune after his death, which amounted to about $300,000 (equivalent to $9.6 million in 2022) according to Wikipedia. They moved to a large house on French Street, in the fashionable neighborhood of “The Hill” in Fall River, Massachusetts. They named their new home “Maplecroft” and lived there with their maid and two dogs.
Lizzie changed her name to Lizbeth A. Borden, perhaps to escape the stigma of her past. She tried to live a normal life, attending church and social events, and donating money to various causes. However, she was never fully accepted by the high society of Fall River, and faced ostracism and gossip from her neighbors. She also had a falling out with her sister Emma over a relationship with a female actress named Nance O’Neil, who visited Maplecroft frequently. Emma moved out of the house in 1905 and never spoke to Lizzie again.
The Death of Lizzie Borden
Lizzie Borden died on June 1, 1927, at the age of 66. The cause of death was pneumonia, according to Smithsonian Magazine. She had been ill for several weeks before her death, and was attended by a nurse and a doctor. She died at Maplecroft, in the same room where she had been interrogated by the police 35 years earlier.
Lizzie left most of her estate, valued at about $250,000 (equivalent to $3.8 million in 2022), to various charities and friends. She also left $30,000 (equivalent to $460,000 in 2022) to the Fall River Animal Rescue League, showing her love for animals. She did not leave anything to her sister Emma, who had died nine days earlier in New Hampshire from chronic nephritis (a kidney disease).
The Burial of Lizzie Borden
Lizzie Borden was buried next to her father and stepmother in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her funeral was private and attended by only a few people. Her grave is marked by a simple headstone that reads “LIZZIE A. BORDEN / 1860-1927”. The cemetery is open to the public and attracts many visitors who are curious about the infamous axe murderer.
Lizzie Borden’s legacy lives on in popular culture, as she has been depicted in numerous films, books, plays, songs, and even a children’s rhyme. Her case remains unsolved and controversial, as some people believe she was guilty while others think she was innocent or framed by someone else. The mystery of Lizzie Borden continues to fascinate and haunt generations of Americans.
