Lizzie Borden's Post-Acquittal Mansion Now Home to Family Reshaping Its History
The infamous Lizzie Borden, acquitted of her parents' murders, purchased and lived in a grand Victorian home named Maplecroft, which today is owned by a family who see her as more than a historical figure.
After being acquitted of the murders of her parents in 1892, Lizzie Borden purchased a 4,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom Queen Anne Victorian mansion in Fall River, Massachusetts, which she named "Maplecroft." She spent the remainder of her life in this home, dying there nearly 100 years ago, approximately a mile from the house where the murders occurred, which has since become a museum.
Maplecroft is now owned by Brooke and Michael Doherty, who purchased the property in 2021. Initially hesitant due to the home's notorious history, they were drawn to its architectural details, including grand staircases, carved fireplaces, original molding, and Tiffany sconces. The house, which Borden upgraded with modern amenities for its time like electricity and indoor plumbing, was acquired by the Dohertys for $800,000 after previous renovation plans fell through.
Borden, acquitted by an all-male jury who reportedly doubted a woman could commit such acts, moved into Maplecroft just three months after her trial. The home was a significant upgrade from her previous, more modest residence. She also owned one of the first automobiles in town, a Ford Model T nicknamed the "Tin Lizzie," which she kept in a carriage house that now serves as Brooke Doherty's art studio.
Contrary to popular depictions of a shunned recluse, Borden lived at Maplecroft with her sister Emma for a period and was known to entertain. She developed a friendship with actress Nance O'Neil and became involved with the Massachusetts theater community. Borden also defied social norms by not attending church and distancing herself from the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She hosted parties in the home's basement, which the Dohertys refer to as a speakeasy, featuring a dance floor and concealed storage for alcohol.
The relationship between Lizzie and Emma Borden deteriorated, with Emma eventually leaving Maplecroft in 1905 due to the escalating parties and Lizzie's lifestyle. The sisters, who died days apart in 1927, never reconciled.
Upon her death, Lizzie Borden, who later referred to herself as Lizbeth Borden, left most of her considerable estate to the Fall River Animal Rescue League. The current owners, the Dohertys, view Borden as a kind, generous woman with good taste who was innocent of the crimes she was accused of, a perspective they believe is supported by their experience living in Maplecroft.
