Over a hundred years ago, Iowa was shaken by one of its most notorious crimes - the Villisca Axe Murders. In this episode of Our Grim Past, hosts Sophia and Maia, along with guest speaker Cadence, take you on a journey through time to dissect this haunting event. From the mishandling of evidence to the main suspects, discover the chilling details that continue to baffle historians and enthusiasts alike.

Join us in our Morbid Time Machine as we explore the eerie parallels with other unsolved axe murders, discuss the potential involvement of a serial killer, and examine the possible motives of various suspects, including Reverend George Kelly. Whether you're a long-time inquirer or new to the world of morbid history, this episode promises to satisfy your curiosity with its deep dive into one of history's most perplexing mysteries.

Welcome to Our Grim Past, where each week we unravel the darker sides of history, from shipwrecks to scandalous figures. Prepare to be captivated as we uncover the most unsettling stories from our past. Tune in and discover what secrets the Villisca Axe Murders hold!

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Join Sophia and Maia as they unravel the intriguing and dark history of the Habsburg family, a royal dynasty that dominated European aristocracy from the 15th to the 20th century. Despite their vast empire and influence, the Habsburgs are remembered for their peculiar downfall, driven by generations of inbreeding.

Step into our Morbid Time Machine and explore the family's rise to power, their territorial conquests, and the chilling consequences of their desperate attempts to preserve their bloodline. Discover the genetic mutations and health issues that plagued their descendants, leading to the eventual extinction of their male line.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to the world of strange historical tales, this episode promises to captivate with stories of power, intrigue, and the lessons learned from the past. Don't miss this fascinating dive into one of history's most notorious families.

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The Habsburg Study

The Role of Inbreeding in the Extinction of a European Royal Dynasty | PLOS ONE

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Born Herman Webster Mudgett on May 16, 1861, the man better known as H.H. Holmes has become infamous as America's first serial killer. Join hosts Sophia and Maya, along with special guest Cadence, as they delve into the chilling details of Holmes' life, his notorious "Murder Castle," and the gruesome crimes that marked his dark legacy.

In this episode, the trio explores Holmes' troubled childhood, marked by abuse and a morbid fascination with anatomy, leading to his transformation into a highly intelligent yet dangerous individual. Discover the shocking parallels between Holmes and the legendary figure Bluebeard, and how Holmes' cunning allowed him to elude capture for so long.

Travel back in time with us to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where Holmes found many of his victims, and learn about the intricate design of his murder castle, equipped with trap doors, gas chambers, and hidden staircases. We also unravel Holmes' cunning insurance scams and the eventual unraveling of his deadly schemes.

Join us on this gripping journey through one of history's most twisted tales, and stay tuned for more fascinating stories from our grand past. Don't miss out on next week's episode about the enigmatic Habsburgs!

Step into the morbid time machine with Sophia and Maia as they explore the dark and fascinating world of grave robbing in the 18th and 19th centuries. Discover the legal loopholes that allowed for the possession of bodies, and delve into the stories of infamous grave robbers who fueled the demand for cadavers in medical schools.

In this episode of "Our Grim Past," Sophia and Maia discuss the distinctions between grave robbing and body snatching, revealing the grim realities of a time when corpses were a commodity. They explore how grave robbers operated, the methods they used, and the bizarre practices that emerged from this era.

Learn about the Anatomy Act of 1832 and its impact on grave robbing, and hear about specific cases that highlight the lengths to which people would go to obtain bodies. From the chilling tale of William Burke and William Hare to the macabre use of mummies in medicine, this episode uncovers the unsettling truths of a forgotten past.

Join Sophia and Maia as they navigate through the eerie history of grave robbing, offering insights and stories that are as informative as they are spine-tingling. Don't miss the chance to explore history's most morbid chapters in this captivating episode.

Have you ever wanted to go down a rabbit hole of fucked up history but you don’t know where to start? What about hearing a weird snippet of history and wanting to learn more about it? Us too! Every Week, Our Grim Past allows listeners to take a deep dive into the weird, morbid, and messed up side of history.