Holy axe! Ever since my 7th grade math teacher so interestingly told our class how Lizzie Borden took an axe I've been intrigued by this story. For as long as I have wanted to go to Boston, I've wanted to go to her home in Fall River, just an hour south.
My journey began at Boston South Station with a bus ticket toward Fall River. Round trip cost me $49 on Peter Pan and I would only be spending three hours there before returning. I was a bit discouraged at how steep this was, but it was worth it for me. It took just over one hour to arrive in Fall River at the Louis Pettine Transportation Center. Fall River was larger than I though but fortunately my ultimate destination was just around the block from this bus station. When arriving at the house I bought my $18 ticket for a 45-minute full tour. A bit steep again, but I knew what I was in for long ahead of time. The Lizzie Borden House is a working bed and breakfast, but guests may not be in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to allow for public tours of all rooms. This is one piece of history that I knew a ton about. I enjoyed listening to the narration the guide gave of the Bordens' life and the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. We got a play by play of the crime, just as if we were watching a documentary, but were really there. We sat on the furniture, which surprised me, but quickly I learned nothing of the current contents every belonged to the Bordens. Everything had been recreated from pictures using authentic period pieces. This is because after Lizzie and her sister Emma moved from the house, their belongings went temporarily into storage. All of their belongings were destroyed in storage by either fire or flood.
After hitting the gift shop, and buying my mom earring with axes on them, I took the written directions to Oak Grove Cemetery, the Bordens' final resting place. The tour guide, Debbie, said it was just five minutes away-but as I walked, looking at my Google map I realized she had left out the "by car" part. It was a two mile walk. I began to get nervous because I had to catch the last bus back to Boston and had 1.5 hours left. I was hot (85 degree sun), hungry (only ate a Clif Bar), and thirsty (drank all my water), but I kept on trucking toward that cemetery.
When I reached the cemetery I followed the white arrows leading to their grave, just as I was told. In no time I found the plot, took some pictures, then headed back in the direction of the bus station. I had 40 minutes to spare so I needed to grab some quick food. I did, and in the nick of time hopped back on the cushy bus to Boston.
Travel details
What: The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast
Where: 230 Second Street Fall River, Mass.
Web: https://lizzie-borden.com/
Cost: $18 for a hour tour, between $200-$250 for an overnight stay
Why go: If you find yourself being intrigued by the Lizzie Borden case.