Origins & Early Life

Herman Webster Mudgett (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896), better known as Dr. Henry Howard Holmes or H. H. Holmes and also known by the aliases Alexander Bond, Harry Gordon, J.A.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Judson and Robert E. Phelps, was an American con artist and murderer active between 1891 and 1894. By the time of his execution in 1896, Holmes had engaged in a lengthy criminal career that included insurance fraud, forgery, swindling, three or four bigamous marriages, horse theft and murder. Known as the Beast of Chicago, the Devil in the White City or the Torture Doctor, he committed his most notorious crimes in Chicago around the time of the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. Holmes was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Benjamin Pitezel, his accomplice in several of his cons.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, Holmes confessed to twenty-seven murders, including those of some people who were verifiably still alive. It is believed that he also killed three of Pitezel's children, as well as three mistresses, the child of one mistress and the sister of another. Holmes was hanged on May 7, 1896. Much of the lore attached to Holmes concerns the so-called "Murder Castle", a three-story building he commissioned on W. 63rd...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alfred North Whitehead — Contemporary (Born in 1861) (1861): Pioneering philosopher and mathematician who established Process Philosophy.
• Arthur Hugh Clough — Contemporary (Died in 1861) (1861): English poet and educationalist, known for 'The Bothie of Toper-na-fuosich'
• Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour — Contemporary (Died in 1861) (1861): Leading statesman instrumental in the unification of Italy and Prime Minister of Sardinia.
• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Contemporary (Born in 1896) (1896): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Alfred Nobel — Contemporary (Died in 1896) (1896): Pioneering chemist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• Anton Bruckner — Contemporary (Died in 1896) (1896): Master of Austro-German Romanticism, renowned for monumental symphonies and sacred works.
• Andy Kaufman — Shared historical date (05-16 · Died) (1984): Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
• Bronisław Malinowski — Shared historical date (05-16 · Died) (1942): Pioneering anthropologist known for intensive fieldwork and functionalist theory.
• Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt — Shared historical date (05-07 · Died) (1915): American sportsman and businessman, known for his involvement in pioneering endeavors.
• Anne Baxter — Shared historical date (05-07 · Born) (1923): Acclaimed American actress known for her work in Hollywood and on Broadway.
• 1861 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1861
• May 16 (05-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 16
• 1896 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1896
• May 7 (05-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 7