The infamous Villisca Axe Murder House, site of one of America’s most brutal unsolved murders, has changed hands multiple times since the tragic events of June 10, 1912. Many people wonder who owns the Villisca Axe Murder House today and how this notorious property has been preserved as both a historical site and paranormal destination. Understanding the ownership history reveals a fascinating journey from a crime scene to one of America’s most visited haunted attractions.
The Tragic History Behind the Villisca Axe Murder House Ownership
Before exploring who owns the Villisca Axe Murder House currently, it’s essential to understand the horrific events that made this property notorious worldwide. On the night of June 9, 1912, eight people were brutally murdered in their sleep at 508 East 2nd Street in Villisca, Iowa. The victims included Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sarah, their four children (Herman, Mary Katherine, Arthur Boyd, and Paul Vernon), and two visiting children, Lena and Ina Stillinger.
The murders were committed with the family’s own axe, and despite extensive investigations involving multiple suspects and two trials, the case remains unsolved to this day. This tragic history has significantly influenced every subsequent ownership of the property, making it both a burden and an opportunity for those who have owned the Villisca Axe Murder House over the decades.
Early Ownership History of the Villisca Axe Murder House
The house was originally constructed in 1868 for George Loomis, a local farmer who lived peacefully in the home. Josiah Moore and his family purchased the property in 1903, transforming it into their family residence until the tragic murders occurred nine years later.
Following the murders, the property went through a challenging period of ownership instability. Over the next 90 years, the house at 508 E. 2nd Street had thirteen owners, reflecting the difficulty many faced in maintaining ownership of such a notorious property. Among them was the Villisca State Savings and Loan (1963 to 1971), possibly assumed as a foreclosure. The house experienced long periods of vacancy, and was a rental property in the 1960s and 1970s.
Ownership Challenges and Abandonment Periods
The house’s dark history created significant challenges for potential owners. In the early 2000s, the Linns tried to compile a list of all the rental tenants. They found the process almost impossible due to the high number of renters who abandoned it after short periods of time, sometimes just a couple of weeks. This pattern of short-lived tenancies demonstrates how the house’s reputation affected its marketability and livability.
By the mid-1990s, the property had fallen into severe disrepair, with reports indicating that pigs and chickens were its only occupants. The neighbors wanted it torn down as an eyesore.
Darwin and Martha Linn: The Restoration Era (1994-2024)
Who Owned the Villisca Axe Murder House from 1994 to 2024
When Darwin and Martha Linn bought the three-bedroom farmhouse at 508 East 2nd Street, in Villisca, Iowa, in 1994, they planned to turn it into a historical museum. Darwin Linn, a retired farmer and history enthusiast, recognized the property’s historical significance and tourism potential.
Darwin, a retired farmer, figured that the ax murder house would make a good True Crime tourist attraction. So he bought it. “I didn’t tell my wife about it for about a month.” he remembered. “She was a little cool about it for a while.”
The Extensive Restoration Process
The Linns undertook a massive restoration project to return the house to its 1912 condition. In the 1990s, the home was painstakingly restored by historians Martha and Gavin Linn at great expense and effort to appears exactly like the night of the crime, right down to the lack of electricity or running water. Due to their dedication, the Josiah B. Moore House is now on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The restoration included:
- Removing all modern electrical and plumbing systems
- Stripping vinyl siding to reveal original wood exterior
- Removing front and back patio enclosures
- Restoring the outhouse and chicken coop
- Converting a modern bathroom back to its original pantry configuration
Martha Linn’s Solo Ownership Period
Darwin Linn passed away on July 15, 2011, leaving Martha to continue operating the house alone. Following Darwin’s unfortunate passing in 2011, his wife Martha took over operation of the house for the next twelve years, actively involved in operating the house with longtime manager Johnny Houser. In her 80s, Martha would pull weeds and engage with customers.
Throughout her ownership, Martha Linn maintained the house’s historical integrity while welcoming thousands of visitors for tours and overnight stays. She worked tirelessly to preserve the site’s dignity while acknowledging its role as both a memorial and a paranormal destination.
Current Owner of the Villisca Axe Murder House: Lance Zaal and US Ghost Adventures
Who Owns the Villisca Axe Murder House Now?
In 2023, at the age of 87, Martha decided to retire and entered into a contract to sell the house in October to Lance Zaal, an entrepreneur and Marine Corps veteran, who has a history of purchasing and preserving historic homes across America, many of which are operated by US Ghost Adventures Llc that allow the public to take tours to learn about the stories and history of the homes, participate in special events, and stay overnight. The House officially changed ownership on January 5, 2024.
Lance Zaal, founder and CEO of US Ghost Adventures, represents the latest chapter in the Villisca Axe Murder House ownership history. His company specializes in operating historically significant properties with paranormal reputations, including the famous Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts.
US Ghost Adventures’ Approach to Ownership
US Ghost Adventures operates historically authentic no-frill ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and ghost hunts in over 100 cities in the United States in 30 states; in addition to virtual events, operating and preserving historic homes like the Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts and Brickhouse Inn in Gettysburg.
The new ownership brings professional experience in managing historic properties with dark histories. “It’s very tragic. Unlike the Lizzie Borden house, there were [six] children that were killed at the Villisca house,” Zaal said. “It’s much more tragic and sad than what happened at the Borden house. We’re definitely looking at taking a different approach.”
Complete Villisca Axe Murder House Ownership Timeline
| Time Period | Owner(s) | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1868-1903 | George Loomis | Original construction and peaceful residence |
| 1903-1912 | Josiah B. Moore Family | Family residence until tragic murders |
| 1912-1963 | Multiple Private Owners | Frequent ownership changes, rental periods |
| 1963-1971 | Villisca State Savings and Loan | Likely foreclosure acquisition |
| 1971-1994 | Various Private Owners/Renters | Continued instability, periods of vacancy |
| 1994-2011 | Darwin and Martha Linn | Major restoration, museum opening |
| 2011-2024 | Martha Linn (Solo) | Continued operation after Darwin’s death |
| 2024-Present | Lance Zaal/US Ghost Adventures | Professional paranormal tourism operation |
The Business Model Behind Villisca Axe Murder House Ownership
Understanding who owns the Villisca Axe Murder House also requires examining the unique business model that has evolved around the property. The current ownership operates the house as both a historical museum and paranormal tourism destination.
Revenue Streams and Operations
The house generates revenue through multiple channels:
- Daytime Tours: Historical tours focusing on the crime and its investigation
- Overnight Stays: Groups can rent the entire house or individual rooms
- Special Events: Paranormal investigations and seasonal activities
- Educational Programs: Historical presentations and cemetery tours
Each room is priced at $199 per night. While you can add an additional person(s) to your reservation to join you in the experience, please note that that does not mean they will have their own bed to sleep on.
Balancing Historical Preservation with Commercial Success
The challenge for anyone who owns the Villisca Axe Murder House lies in balancing respect for the victims with the commercial viability of operating a tourist attraction. “I think what Martha and her husband Darwin did to create that house in openness to the public was a great thing,” Zaal said. “We realize that we’re not going to make everyone happy with everything that we do. so we’re going to do the best that we can to balance the guests experience and making sure that we’re telling the story in a thoughtful and respectful way, which is already done right now. We intend to honor the legacy that they started.”
Community Response to Villisca Axe Murder House Ownership
The question of who owns the Villisca Axe Murder House has always been a sensitive topic within the Villisca community. Local residents have mixed feelings about the property’s transformation into a tourist attraction.
Supporters and Critics
Some community members appreciate the economic benefits tourism brings to their small town. “The governor came out and said that tourism brought in more money to Iowa than the entire corn crop,” Darwin told us. “And it got me to thinking.”
However, others remain uncomfortable with commercializing the tragedy. “I would like it to be over,” said Susie Enarson, a former mayor of the town of 1,200 about 80 miles southwest of Des Moines. “I would like the people to rest in peace and not have all this ghost discussion.”
Respectful Memorialization vs. Commercial Exploitation
The ongoing debate reflects broader questions about how society should handle sites of historical tragedy. The current ownership structure attempts to address these concerns through educational programming and respectful presentation of the historical facts.
Paranormal Claims and Their Impact on Ownership
The paranormal reputation of the Villisca Axe Murder House has significantly influenced its ownership value and appeal. Things like disembodied giggles and screams, unexplained movements, a strange fog moving from room to room when the train passes through the town at the time of the murders, and strange behavior from visitors that indicate the possibility of possessions are just some of the activities that indicate a paranormal presence at the Villisca Axe Murder House.
Impact on Property Value and Desirability
These paranormal claims have transformed what was once considered an unmarketable property into a valuable asset. The house’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations drives significant tourism revenue and has created a unique market niche.
However, the paranormal aspects have also created operational challenges. A Wisconsin man remains in intensive care in an Omaha hospital following a stabbing incident at the Villisca Axe Murder House early Friday morning, demonstrating the risks associated with operating such an emotionally charged environment.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Owning the Villisca Axe Murder House
Owning the Villisca Axe Murder House involves unique legal and regulatory considerations due to its historical designation and commercial use.
Historic Preservation Requirements
Due to their dedication, the Josiah B. Moore House is now on the National Registry of Historic Places. This designation provides certain protections but also imposes restrictions on modifications and alterations to the property.
Commercial Operation Regulations
Operating the house as a tourist attraction requires compliance with various local and state regulations regarding:
- Commercial zoning requirements
- Safety and fire codes for overnight accommodations
- Insurance coverage for paranormal tourism activities
- Liability protection for visitors participating in investigations
Future Prospects for Villisca Axe Murder House Ownership
Under the current ownership of Lance Zaal and US Ghost Adventures, the Villisca Axe Murder House appears positioned for continued operation as a historical and paranormal tourism destination. The professional management approach and experience with similar properties suggest stability in ownership for the foreseeable future.
Planned Improvements and Changes
“We’re going to take this one a little slow,” Zaal said. “One of the things is we want to do longer guided tours of the house.” The new ownership plans to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining the property’s historical integrity.
Long-term Preservation Goals
The current ownership structure, with its focus on historic preservation and professional operation, provides the best prospect for long-term stability in the property’s management and maintenance.
Comparing the Villisca Axe Murder House to Other Historic Crime Scene Properties
The ownership challenges and opportunities of the Villisca Axe Murder House are not unique. Other historic crime scene properties face similar issues regarding preservation, commercialization, and community acceptance.
| Property | Location | Current Status | Ownership Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villisca Axe Murder House | Iowa | Active Tourism | Private Commercial |
| Lizzie Borden House | Massachusetts | Bed & Breakfast/Museum | Private Commercial |
| Amityville Horror House | New York | Private Residence | Private Residential |
| Black Dahlia House | California | Private Residence | Private Residential |
The success of the Villisca Axe Murder House ownership model demonstrates how historic crime scene properties can be preserved and made financially viable through respectful tourism operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who currently owns the Villisca Axe Murder House?
As of January 5, 2024, the Villisca Axe Murder House is owned by Lance Zaal and operated by US Ghost Adventures LLC. Zaal is an entrepreneur and Marine Corps veteran who specializes in purchasing and preserving historic homes with paranormal reputations. The property was purchased from Martha Linn, who had owned it since 1994 along with her late husband Darwin Linn. US Ghost Adventures operates similar historic properties across the United States, including the famous Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts.
2. How much did the current owner pay for the Villisca Axe Murder House?
The exact purchase price for the Villisca Axe Murder House has not been publicly disclosed. However, historic crime scene properties of this significance and tourism potential typically command substantial prices, especially given the house’s established revenue stream from tours and overnight stays. The property generates significant income through its operation as a paranormal tourism destination, making it a valuable commercial asset despite its dark history.
3. Can you buy the Villisca Axe Murder House from the current owner?
The Villisca Axe Murder House is not currently for sale. Lance Zaal and US Ghost Adventures purchased the property specifically to continue its operation as a historic site and paranormal tourism destination. Given their business model of acquiring and preserving historic properties, they appear committed to long-term ownership. However, like any private property, it could potentially be sold in the future if the owners decided to divest, though this seems unlikely given their investment and business focus.
4. How many people have owned the Villisca Axe Murder House since the murders?
Since the 1912 murders, the Villisca Axe Murder House has had numerous owners. According to historical records, the property had thirteen different owners over the 90 years following the murders, not counting the various renters who occupied the house for short periods. This high turnover rate was largely due to the property’s notorious reputation and the difficulty many faced in living in or maintaining a house associated with such a tragic event. The ownership became more stable when Darwin and Martha Linn purchased it in 1994 and began operating it as a historical attraction.
5. Why do people want to own such a notorious property like the Villisca Axe Murder House?
People are drawn to owning the Villisca Axe Murder House for various reasons. The current owner, Lance Zaal, and previous owners like the Linns saw it as an opportunity to preserve an important piece of American history while creating a sustainable business model through tourism. The property’s fame as one of America’s most haunted houses attracts thousands of visitors annually, making it financially viable. Additionally, some owners are motivated by historical preservation, wanting to maintain the site as a memorial to the victims and an educational resource about this significant unsolved crime. The house serves both commercial and educational purposes, allowing owners to balance profit with historical stewardship.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Villisca Axe Murder House Ownership
The question of who owns the Villisca Axe Murder House reveals a complex history of tragedy, abandonment, restoration, and commercialization. From its origins as a peaceful family home to its current status as one of America’s most famous haunted attractions, the property has undergone remarkable transformations under various ownerships.
The current ownership by Lance Zaal and US Ghost Adventures represents the latest chapter in this ongoing story. With their professional experience in managing historic properties and paranormal tourism, they appear well-positioned to continue the legacy established by Darwin and Martha Linn while potentially expanding the site’s educational and memorial functions.
The Villisca Axe Murder House ownership history demonstrates how sites of historical tragedy can be preserved and made financially sustainable through respectful tourism operations. While debates continue about the appropriateness of commercializing such tragic events, the alternative—allowing these important historical sites to deteriorate and disappear—would represent a greater loss to historical preservation and public education.
As the house enters its second century since the tragic murders, its current ownership structure provides hope for continued preservation and respectful commemoration of both the victims and this significant piece of American criminal history. The question of who owns the Villisca Axe Murder House may continue to evolve, but the commitment to preserving this important historical site appears stronger than ever under professional management dedicated to historic preservation and educational tourism.
Whether viewed as a memorial, a historical curiosity, or a paranormal destination, the Villisca Axe Murder House remains a powerful reminder of an unsolved tragedy that continues to capture public imagination more than a century after the crimes occurred. Its ownership history reflects broader questions about how society preserves and interprets sites of historical significance, particularly those associated with violence and tragedy.
