Villisca Axe Murder House

Villisca Axe Murder House Welcome to the Official Villisca Axe Murder House Page! During the weeks that followed, life in this small town changed drastically. Bloodhounds were brought in.
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Almost 97 years ago, long before serial killers and mass murders had become a way of life, two adults and 6 children were found brutally murdered in their beds in the small mid-western town of Villisca, Iowa. As residents of this small town reinforced locks, openly carried weapons and huddled together while sleeping, newspaper reporters and private detectives flooded the streets. Accusations, rumo

rs and suspicion ran rampant among friends and families. Law enforcement agencies from neighboring counties and states joined forces. Hundreds of interviews filled thousands of pages. And yet, the murders remained unsolved, the murderer unpunished.

To our Villisca community: we have huge news!A new chapter begins in Kansas. US Ghost Adventures is proud to expand our ...
06/02/2026

To our Villisca community: we have huge news!

A new chapter begins in Kansas. US Ghost Adventures is proud to expand our Midwestern footprint as the official new stewards of the historic, 135-year-old McInteer Villa at 1301 Kansas Avenue.

Much like the Axe Murder House, our primary mission is to protect and preserve these historic landmarks so their stories are told accurately for generations to come.

We are honored to work alongside Stephanie O’Reilly to carry this 135-year-old Kansas landmark into its next chapter.

Here is what you can expect at the McInteer Villa:
✨Overnight Stays: Accessible room rentals for anyone wanting to experience the mansion.
📜Historical Tours: Dive into stories of frontier grit and the McInteer family.
👻Ghost Hunts: Interactive evening hunts with pro equipment for the bold and curious.

🗓️New Experiences: A new gift shop, ghost tours of Atchison, and year-round special events!

Immediate upgrades are underway to restore the Villa to its Gilded Age glory, and we are uncovering incredible lost stories along the way.

Be sure to follow The 1889 McInteer Villa to stay updated! What new offerings are you most excited to try? Drop it in the comments! 👇

Stepping into June reminds us of the profound responsibility of historical preservation. The Villisca Axe Murder House s...
06/01/2026

Stepping into June reminds us of the profound responsibility of historical preservation.

The Villisca Axe Murder House stands today as a tangible link to a tragic night that happened on a regular June evening gone very wrong.

As the 114th anniversary of the murders approaches, we honor the memory of the Moore and Stillinger families by preserving their stories and treating this historic site with the dignity and kindness it deserves.

May they never be forgotten as we continue our historic preservation effort and endless care for the Villisca home.

We will also be sharing updates on the neighboring Mary Peckham House, where restoration efforts continue to protect another important piece of local history.

As a veteran-owned business founded by USMC Disabled Combat Veteran Lance Zaal, we are committed to honoring those who s...
05/25/2026

As a veteran-owned business founded by USMC Disabled Combat Veteran Lance Zaal, we are committed to honoring those who serve—and especially those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Zaal served alongside many brave Marines and carries a personal connection to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them with gratitude and respect.
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Marine Staff Sgt. Allan K. Walker, 28, of Lancaster, CA, was killed by hostile fire on April 6, 2004, in Anbar Province, Iraq, while serving with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Allan was described as a vibrant soul who loved drama, punk rock, and Celtic music.

Marine Sgt. Daniel M. Angus, 28, of Thonotosassa, FL, was killed on Jan. 24, 2010, while leading a patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan; a proud Marine, devoted husband, and father, Daniel served two tours in Iraq and gave his all doing what he believed in.

Marine Sgt. Yadir G. Reynoso, 27, of Wapato, WA, died on Aug. 5, 2004, during a firefight in Najaf Province, Iraq, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. A former high school wrestler with a generous heart, Yadir served eight years in the Marines.

Marine Lance Cpl. Erick J. Hodges, 21, of Bay Point, CA, was killed by enemy action on Nov. 10, 2004, in Anbar Province, Iraq, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is remembered for his courage, sacrifice, and strength.

Marine Lance Cpl. Antoine D. Smith, 22, of Orlando, FL, was killed by enemy action on Nov. 15, 2004, in Anbar Province, Iraq, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Remembered for his courage and commitment, Antoine gave his life in service to his country.

Marine Pfc. Sean Horn, 19, of Orange, CA, died on June 19, 2004 in a non-combat incident at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, while serving as an engineer equipment operator with the 1st Force Service Support Group. “He loved the Marines. He had a great career ahead of him,” his father said.

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This Memorial Day, we pause to honor all who laid down their lives for something greater than themselves.
May we carry their legacy forward with purpose and gratitude.🇺🇸

Almost 115 years ago this June, Mary Peckham lived next door to the Moore family in Villisca. On the morning of June 10,...
05/21/2026

Almost 115 years ago this June, Mary Peckham lived next door to the Moore family in Villisca. On the morning of June 10, 1912, she was the first to notice something was wrong. The Moore children hadn’t come out to do their morning chores, and the house was eerily still and quiet. Mary decided to go over to check on the family, and what she discovered in the house next door became one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in American history.

One year ago, less than 100 feet from the Villisca Axe Murder House, the historic home where Mary stood on that sad summer morning, was quietly falling apart, Named for the woman who discovered the murders, the Mary Peckham House is a piece of history, part of the story behind the tragic events that took place in the small town of Villisca, Iowa. It’s still standing, and we’re committed to making sure it stays standing as a crucial part of the legacy of the property that is a memorial to the victims who lost their lives there.

Since preservation efforts began in preparation of the 30-year anniversary of the Villisca Axe Murder House opening its doors to the public, an incredible amount of time, care, and craftsmanship have gone into saving and restoring this historic property, including the beginnings of floor-to-ceiling structural repairs, detailed cleaning and stabilization, electrical and plumbing updates, and detailed work to honor the home’s original character.

The preservation team and on-site construction crew have approached every inch of this house with the respect it deserves, and will continue to do so.

Preserving the Mary Peckham House means preserving a piece of the Villisca story that is so often left out and making sure it is never lost to history. Stay tuned for updated photos that show the meticulous work being done to the house and will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible transformation as preservation continues.

If you've visited the Villisca Axe Murder House, you've seen the Mary Peckham House next door.We are currently in the pr...
05/14/2026

If you've visited the Villisca Axe Murder House, you've seen the Mary Peckham House next door.

We are currently in the process of carefully renovating the building to protect its place in Villisca's history.

Some of the major updates include:
🔨 New paint (inside and out)
🔨 Replacing the insulation
🔨 Putting in fresh drywall and new flooring
🔨 Installing brand-new windows and doors
🔨 Returning the bathroom to a fully functional condition
🔨 A new shed
+MORE

Keep an eye on our page as we share progress updates, before-and-after photos, and bring you along on this historic preservation journey! 🏡

Did you know we’re already halfway to Halloween? 🎃Our staff is celebrating the season a little early.💭 What’s your favor...
05/06/2026

Did you know we’re already halfway to Halloween? 🎃

Our staff is celebrating the season a little early.
💭 What’s your favorite part of spooky season?

Are you ready to go BEYOND insane? 👻Join US Ghost Adventures for an unforgettable night at the legendary Pennhurst Asylu...
05/05/2026

Are you ready to go BEYOND insane? 👻

Join US Ghost Adventures for an unforgettable night at the legendary Pennhurst Asylum with horror icon Tyler Mane aka Michael Myers and Sabretooth!

This isn’t your average ghost tour—it’s a full-blown ghost hunting investigation at Pennhurst Asylum with access to EVERY building at the location!

Spots are limited. Do you have what it takes to survive the night with Tyler Mane? 🔦

🎟️ Tap the link in the comments to secure your tickets before they disappear! 👇

Remember your visit to one of Iowa's most infamous historical landmarks with the Official Villisca Axe Murder House Chal...
04/28/2026

Remember your visit to one of Iowa's most infamous historical landmarks with the Official Villisca Axe Murder House Challenge Coin. 🪙

Get yours (link in comments⬇️)

The intricate design honors the history of the site and provides a tangible connection to its past.

It's an ideal keepsake for history buffs and collectors of unique memorabilia.

04/23/2026

Curious about the real story behind the Villisca Axe Murder House?

We had the honor of speaking with Martha Linn, the previous owner, who was the custodian of the home’s somber history for years .

In our new documentary, she walks us through the journey of the infamous axe, its journey and phases ever since that fateful June day.

Hear her perspective and the full story on our YouTube channel (link in comments⬇️)

On this day in 1873, Sarah Montgomery Moore was born. As the devoted wife of Josiah Moore, she was also a dedicated moth...
04/17/2026

On this day in 1873, Sarah Montgomery Moore was born.

As the devoted wife of Josiah Moore, she was also a dedicated mother, Sunday school teacher and homemaker.

Today, we remember the life she built and the family she cherished. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Moore. 💐🕊️

Address

508 E 2nd Street
Villisca, IA
50864

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 10pm
Tuesday 10am - 10pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Thursday 10am - 10pm
Friday 10am - 11pm
Saturday 10am - 11pm
Sunday 10am - 11pm

Telephone

+17122505122

Website

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