A Real, Unsolved Ax Murder in Iowa

In the small, droopy town of Villisca, Iowa, a white house stands as a monument and memory of its dreary past. Like similar homes in the town, this house was dark, creepy, rundown, abandoned, and neglected for many years. This house, despite its simple, yet dark look, is the creepy place where a famous, unsolved ax murder occurred.

On June 10, 1912, Josiah Moore, his wife Sarah, their four children, and two house guests were murdered in their beds by an unknown person (who has been speculated to be a butcher due to the abuse on the bodies) who broke into their home. Nothing ever happened of the case. It was never solved, and the house was left abandoned. Finally, when the townspeople wanted to teardown the house, Darwin stepped in to take over the house. Despite buying and wanting to renovate the house, Darwin chose to wait a month before telling his wife he bought the house.

He decided to renovate the house back to the 1910s. His major desire was for the house to be in the condition it was in when the murders occurred. Taking out the electricity, plumbing, and garage allowed the majority of the modern feel leave the creepy house. Outside, Darwin put the outhouse, chicken coop, and barn back.

This house-turned-museum has become a major ghost hunter point of interest. Although the mysterious murders have not been solved, the building is not a major interest for true crime seekers and solvers. Many people who come to the house want to stay overnight to possibly experience paranormal activities. Many guests have admitted to experiencing many paranormal things including hearing children's laughter and other childhood sounds, falling lamps, moving objects, and photographic documentation of paranormal activities on walls. Some psychics have also claimed to have experienced communication with the dead.

Despite being a majorly historic place and site of a true ax murder, many people do not believe that the house is haunted. Although visits have increased from 18 visits per day to over 200, not enough people believe either way whether or not the house is haunted. If you are ever in the Villisca, Iowa area and feel like giving it a shot, you can take a tour or possibly stay the night at the house. Then, you can make up your own mind. Good luck, and happy haunting!