We dive into the Manhattan Well Murder Mystery.
Listen now:
In our Season 4 premiere, we dig into the tragic story a young woman named Elma Sands who disappeared one December night in 1799 in New York City. A week later her body was found in a well owned by the Manhattan Company—a company founded by Aaron Burr.
We explore how Burr and his fierce political rival Alexander Hamilton worked side by side to defend Levi Weeks, the man accused of killing Sands. And we look at the boardinghouse full of suspects who emerged during the wild trial and how it seems like no one could be trusted.

Sketch of Lispenard’s Meadows, the site of the Manhattan well. New York City by Alexander Anderson, New York Public Library

Illustration of this dramatic moment with Aaron Burr (or Hamilton, depending on who’s telling it) with Richard Croucher, from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, v. 14, no. 3 (1882 Sept.), p. 233. Library of Congress

The now-excavated well where the body of Elma Sands was found, in the basement of a COS clothing store in Manhattan
Next week we’ll dig further into the history behind this well as we explore the history of Burr’s Manhattan Company and Hamilton’s role in creating what would become “a perfect monster.”
Enter to win our Season 4 3-book giveaway, with books from our first 3 guests of the season! A winner will be chosen November 2, 2022.
- Benjamin Franklin’s Last Bet: The Favorite Founder’s Divisive Death, Enduring Afterlife, and Blueprint for American Prosperity by Michael Meyer
- Exploring American Healthcare through 50 Historic Treasures by Tegan Kehoe
- In the Arena: A History of American Presidential Hopefuls by Peter Shea & Tom Maday
History Camp America 2022
Jess and I will be doing a short video minisode at History Camp America 2022. The online conference is November 5th and there’s still time to sign up to join hundreds of history enthusiasts from across the country and beyond to hear from and chat with historians, authors, and docents and even take virtual tours of historic sites. In addition to attending, you can get an amazing package of history gifts—check out this short video of me unboxing the awesome items.
If you want to check out this year’s History Camp America, use promo code PLODDING22 to sign up and you’ll get $5 off.
Sources: