Fall River in southeastern Massachusetts is most widely known for Lizzie Borden, who lived in the city and was accused of killing her father and stepmother—Andrew and Abby Borden—in 1892. The brutal nature of the crimes—both victims were struck repeatedly with a hatchet—helped make the trial a national sensation. Lizzie was ultimately acquitted. The Borden home at 92 (later renumbered 230) Second Street is now an inn and popular tourist attraction.
In addition, Fall River is known for being a leading cotton-textile center in the 19th century, and it earned the nickname “Spindle City.” Also notable is Battleship Cove, a maritime museum and memorial that features a World War II destroyer, a submarine, the battleship USS Massachusetts (the state’s official war memorial), and other ships.