In Fall River, Massachusetts, the infamous double murder at the Borden household in 1892 has sparked endless fascination and curiosity. The rhyme, “Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother 40 whacks…” has immortalized the gruesome events, leading to a steady stream of tourists eager to visit the crime scene, now known as the Lizzie Borden House. As Halloween approaches, October becomes the perfect month for people to explore homes with dark pasts or venture into dimly lit basements holding lanterns, seeking thrills and chills.
While there is no scientific evidence to prove the existence of ghosts or hauntings, polls suggest that a significant portion of Americans believe in such phenomena, adding to the allure of tours to places like the Lizzie Borden House. Tourists are drawn to the mysterious and macabre history of the house, with some even choosing to stay overnight in hopes of experiencing something supernatural. For many, the tours are a blend of entertainment and curiosity, providing a spine-tingling experience that adds a sense of thrill to the Halloween season.
The story of Lizzie Borden, who was tried and acquitted of killing her father and stepmother despite compelling evidence, remains a haunting mystery to this day. The unsolved murders have left an eerie atmosphere at the Borden house, with some believing that the events of 1892 have left a lasting imprint on the property. Tour guide Richard Sheridan leads visitors through the house, recounting the grim details of the murders and speculating on the possibility of a haunting. The presence of a mannequin depicting the slain stepmother adds to the chilling ambiance of the tour.
On the other side of the country, in Portland, Oregon, tourists explore underground passages in Old Town Chinatown, delving into the city’s dark history. Known for its tales of Shanghaiing, the practice of kidnapping men to work on ships, Portland has a rich but disturbing past. The Shanghai Tunnels, a network of interconnected basements, are central to the tour, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s seedy underbelly. Stories of trafficking, smuggling, and criminal activities add to the intrigue of the underground tour, with some visitors reporting eerie experiences during their visit.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence supporting the existence of ghosts or paranormal activity in the Portland tunnels, tourists are captivated by the history and atmosphere of the underground passages. Local historian Joe Streckert debunks popular myths about Shanghaiing in the tunnels, attributing the interconnected basements to mundane uses such as storage. However, the eerie ambiance and tales of ghosts and spirits continue to entice visitors, with many reporting unexplained occurrences or sensations during their tour.
In the dimly lit basement of Old Town Chinatown, tourists listen to guide Natasha Cimmiyotti recount the story of Nina, a supposed ghost haunting the underground tunnels. With lanterns in hand, visitors venture through the dark passages, eager to catch a glimpse of the supernatural. Cimmiyotti remains skeptical but acknowledges the unexplained experiences reported by visitors, adding to the allure of the tour. The blend of history, mystery, and spooky tales creates a memorable and spine-tingling experience for those brave enough to explore the haunted underground world of Portland.
