You Can Follow the Path of America’s First Serial Killer in Austin, Texas

(Austin, Texas) - We all know that serial killers are awful people and should not be celebrated. That doesn't take away from our fascination with them. We always wonder why they kill, why they do it so brutally and why these particular people. Modern technology makes solving a crime much easier than even 20 years ago. Which is why killing sprees 100 or more years ago are so hard to solve. The first serial killing spree took place in Austin in the late 1800s and you can walk the path of that spree today.

The Path of America's First Serial Killer

On December 20, 1884, in the small town of Austin, Mollie Smith was killed when she was struck 24 times with an ax. It was said by witnesses that she looked like she'd been attacked by a wild animal. Over the next year, eight more people were brutally killed. He or she was never apprehended. This may sound like a scary tale to tell around the campfire, it is not. It's the beginning of what is considered America's first serial killer.

The story of the "Midnight Assassin" is recreated in through a walk of Austin with Walking Tours of Austin (KVUE). Even during this holiday season, you can find a way to creep yourself out. Tours are scheduled every weekend. Could make for a cool road trip between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A Bit of a History Lesson

This isn't just a tour to scare you. It's also a great way to learn about the early days of our state's capitol. The tour guide, Jim Miles, is actually a history teacher by day. He says that a majority of the people that take the tour are from Austin and just want to know more.

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