FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — The infamous nursery rhyme, “Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41,” has been recited through the years to allude to the grisly events that unfolded in the Borden household in 1892. Although the rhyme is not completely factual, it encapsulates the ongoing intrigue surrounding the double murder in Fall River, Massachusetts, attracting visitors who flock to the site now known as the Lizzie Borden House for tours or overnight stays.
As October, the spookiest month of the year, draws near and Halloween approaches, many thrill-seekers find it the perfect time to explore homes with dark histories or venture into dimly lit basements with nothing but a lantern in hand. While there’s no scientific proof that homes can be haunted or that ghosts exist, surveys reveal that at least one-third of Americans hold beliefs in such supernatural experiences. For others, participating in ghost tours offers a thrilling escape from the mundane.
Tour guide Richard Sheridan captivates his audience as he leads them through the Lizzie Borden House, pointing out a mannequin on the bedroom floor splattered with fake blood—a chilling representation of Borden’s slain stepmother. “I believe Lizzie did this,” he asserts, reminding them of the trial during which Borden was acquitted of murdering her wealthy father and stepmother, even with compelling evidence stacked against her. The lack of resolution in the case only deepened public interest and speculation.
“The atmosphere still bears an eerie weight,” Sheridan reflects. “It’s what many would term a haunting.” His thoughts resonate with aficionados of the macabre, who appreciate the historic site’s unsettling legacy.
Across the country in Portland, Oregon, visitors traverse steep steps leading into the expansive underground tunnels of Old Town Chinatown. Once home to a hotel, this subterranean network is now shared with a pizzeria and brewery, offering patrons a glimpse into Portland’s shadowy past, alongside tales of a ghost named Nina—the alleged resident specter of the tunnels.
The city’s history is indeed dark; it includes the notorious practice of “Shanghaiing,” where men were sometimes kidnapped to work on ships, lured with alcohol or deception. Women were also trafficked for exploitation, and the underground served as a hub for criminal activities, including opium and alcohol smuggling. However, the veracity of these tales within the so-called “Shanghai Tunnels” remains uncertain.
Local historian Joe Streckert noted, “No artifacts have been discovered to substantiate the claims of Shanghaiing linked to these tunnels. In reality, many were used simply for storing goods.” His insights challenge the romanticized narratives but do not dampen the excitement for many tourists.
“The experience sent chills down my spine,” exclaimed visitor Kate Nelson, attributing her discomfort to something beyond the chilly air. “As you navigate the stairs and passageways, you sense energies lingering in those spaces.” Another tourist, Drew Smith, shared his own unsettling experience, claiming to have seen something strange in a shadowy crevice while his camera inexplicably lost focus. “It seemed to be trying to lock onto something that wasn’t there,” he recalled.
In the dimly lit basement, the ghost stories come alive. Tour guide Natasha Cimmiyotti, addressing the crowd with an air of mystery, recounted the tragic fate of Nina, who supposedly met her end after a fall down an elevator shaft. “What you believe about spirits is personal; I’m not here to sway your views,” she said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “However, I must admit, there have been occurrences here that even a skeptical mind cannot easily dismiss.”
___
Rush reported from Portland, Oregon, and Perry from Meredith, New Hampshire.
