Murder at the Breakers: A Gilded Newport Mystery Unveiled

The Breakers, the opulent summer mansion of the Vanderbilt family in Newport, Rhode Island, has stood as a testament to wealth and grandeur since its completion in 1895. However, beneath the surface of its luxurious facade, a sinister tale of murder and mystery unfolded that forever tainted its gilded history.

Murder at the Breakers (A Gilded Newport Mystery Book 1)

by Alyssa Maxwell

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Gilded Age

The late 19th century was a period of unprecedented economic growth and technological advancement in the United States, known as the Gilded Age. The wealthy elite, including the Vanderbilts, amassed vast fortunes through industries such as railroads and shipping. They built opulent mansions along the shores of Newport, transforming the seaside resort into a playground for the rich and famous.

The Vanderbilt Family

Among the wealthiest and most prominent families of the Gilded Age were the Vanderbilts. Cornelius Vanderbilt, the patriarch of the family, made his fortune through steamboats and railroads. His son, William Henry Vanderbilt, inherited his father's empire and expanded it into a global enterprise.

The Construction of The Breakers

In 1892, William Henry Vanderbilt commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design The Breakers as a summer residence for his family. The mansion, constructed in the Italian Renaissance style, boasted 70 rooms, 40 bathrooms, and a 23-foot-high grand hall. It quickly became a symbol of the Vanderbilts' wealth and extravagance.

The Murder

On July 8, 1899, a young woman named Alice Vanderbilt was found brutally murdered in her bedroom at The Breakers. Alice was the wife of George Washington Vanderbilt II, William Henry Vanderbilt's grandson. The shocking crime sent shockwaves through Newport society and beyond.

The Investigation

The Newport police and Pinkerton detectives launched an extensive investigation into Alice's murder. Suspicion initially fell on her husband, George, but he was quickly cleared of any involvement. The authorities then turned their attention to the mansion's staff, searching for a disgruntled employee who might have harbored a motive to kill Alice.

The Suspect

Eventually, the investigation led to a young stableman named George Washington Stielow. Stielow had reportedly been infatuated with Alice and had been seen lurking around The Breakers on the night of the murder. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

The Trial

Stielow's trial was a highly publicized event that captivated the nation. The prosecution presented a strong case against him, including eyewitness accounts of his suspicious behavior. Stielow, on the other hand, maintained his innocence, claiming that he had been framed by the Vanderbilts.

The Verdict

After a lengthy trial, the jury found Stielow guilty of murder in the first degree. He was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on August 30, 1901. However, many historians and legal scholars believe that Stielow was innocent and was a scapegoat for the powerful Vanderbilt family.

The Aftermath

Alice Vanderbilt's murder cast a dark shadow over The Breakers and the Vanderbilt family. The mansion was closed for several years and underwent extensive renovations before being reopened to the public as a museum. The story of Alice's murder continues to fascinate and horrify generations later, serving as a chilling reminder of the dark secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most gilded of lives.

Murder at the Breakers is a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the corrosive power of wealth. It is a reminder that even in the glittering world of the Gilded Age, the seeds of darkness can take root, culminating in a tragedy that forever changed the course of a legendary family and its iconic mansion.

Murder at the Breakers (A Gilded Newport Mystery Book 1)

by Alyssa Maxwell

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE