Born on this day to the wealthiest family in town, at age 32 Lizzie Borden was accused of murder, leading to a sensationalized murder trail. No physical evidence connected her to the crime and police evidence tampering was recognized during the trial. Fall River sentiment ran strongly in support of Borden's innocence. Her defense was orchestrated by former Governor, George Robinson, who accepted a hefty retainer to serve as defense council.

After a thirteen-day trial, the community celebrated when she was acquitted after only one hour of jury deliberation. Borden remained the focus of media speculation about the unsolved murder. She became a recluse living from her substantial inheritance in one of the town's largest home's. Town sentiment eventually turned against her, and the wrongly accused Lizzie became the girl of "forty whacks" who got away with murder.