Legacy of Lavinia Fisher
Many legends claim that Lavinia Fisher was the first female serial killer in the United States. She and her husband John operated an inn just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. They named it Six Mile Wayfarer House, but their intentions behind the business were sinister. It is said the Fishers targeted wealthy travelers, poisoning them at dinner and stealing their valuables. For these crimes, the Fishers were executed on February 18, 1820. It is said that Lavinia wore her wedding dress to the gallows and when it came time for her to speak her last words she unrepentantly bellowed, “if you have a message you want to send to hell, give it to me, I’ll carry it.” But the historical accuracy of this legend is entirely false. In fact Lavinia may not have actually murdered anyone.
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