The Truth About HH Holmes, America's First Serial Killer | Random Thursday

Check out the full story on HH Holmes on the blog: answerswithjoe.com/whole-story...
Also big thanks to Ryan Twombly for his help writing and researching this video.
Illustration in the video courtesy of Holly Carden
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HH Holmes became known as the Devil in the White City because of the legend that he built a murder castle in Chicago in 1893 with the intent of murdering hundreds of people as they visited the Chicago World Columbian Exposition (which became known as the White City).
He built a hotel with secret walls and rooms so that he could kill people and dispose of their bodies in the basement.
At least, this is the story we've all been told. The real story is quite different.
LINKS LINKS LINKS:
Gem of the Prairie by Herbert Asbury
www.amazon.com/Gem-Prairie-In...
Holmes' Autobiography:
www.loc.gov/item/06022698/
The True History of the White City Devil - Adam Selzer adamselzerchicago.wordpress.com/
amzn.to/2ot5F5V
Devil in the White City
www.amazon.com/Devil-White-Ci...

[@jademblaine8995]

He’s just the first one that got caught

[@brokenwave6125]

No he's not

[@AlexH8280]

Elizabeth Bathory got caught, and she was way before him.

[@annahappen7036]

I think he's just the first to be sensationalized by media.

[@jacklemm1518]

@@AlexH8280 we re talking about the US. Bathory was Hungarian.

[@Nikokl]

Can agree, they never caught me

[@hrvatskamn8958]

H. H. Holmes the type of guy to quick save and then kill everyone in the game

[@therockinboxer]

ahhh ha ha ha ha. But that's like.. everybody, right? ha ha

[@Alexander_Sannikov]

@@therockinboxer haha, yeah. i called the police, hold tight.

[@hasoonnine]

More like the type of guy to kill everyone without saving

[@sadsworth4605]

That's me in skyrim

[@salud7432]

Hahaha haha haaa... not even slightly funny

[@URProductions]

They should make a show about Sherlock Holmes trying to track down H. H. Holmes. They can call it... "Holmes on Holmes."

[@animerlon]

I see what you did there 😁.

[@ccbee232]

Holmes On Homes dude might get all mad about it 😉

[@kjeezy2990]

I watch Holmes on homes 😂

[@Kato_Rin]

URProductions ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@juliedavis9659]

Unfortunately sherlock didn't catch him

[@BrianAlt]

"People just disappeared back then sometimes." I say this all the time when people try to claim that things are worse (more dangerous) today than they were in the past.

[@Andytlp]

The difference is sat and street/indoor cameras. If you know roughly the time of disappearance and place you can track ANYONE. The killer can be days ahead of the cops and be traced to exactly where he is. Technology is amazing.

[@Andytlp]

@@jamesmccann3228 Clearly kidnapped into some sex ring. Most likely dead. Portugal in 2003 wasnt exactly camera rich.. its some ass backwards shit hole. Im talking about 2010 to 2020 where you got cameras on every street corner from at least 1 vantage point. just because its 2020 doesnt mean someone wont kill u for lols or just looking at them the wrong way. It doesnt help when ppl just shit their pants whenever theyre in a dangerous situation.

[@stevearkie5722]

The air was cleaner life was a a bit better no traffic jams .

[@thoticcusprime9309]

@@Andytlp its not amazing

[@Andytlp]

@@thoticcusprime9309 cant stop all evil. The only way is monitoring everyone at all times. But im pretty sure its not worth giving up freedom to be a mammal just to protect a few retards from getting killed or worse.

[@thegayhuntsman]

A small group of crows is "attempted murder."

[@MrRickstopher]

A bunch of crows talking about forming a group would be "conspiracy to commit murder."

[@Aconitum_napellus]

A lonely crow is called a suicide.

[@burntcocaine5794]

@John Dough stfu

[@masterofdisaster4620]

this is funny to an extreme amount

[@EEsmalls]

A group of Karens is called a complaint lol

[@thebearded4427]

I got to say, this channel have taught me waaaaaaaaay more than i ever expected to be possible from a random facts video channel series

[@dustyhills8911]

He wasn't the first, just the first identified. Whoever the Servant Girl Killer was in Austin, Texas might have been the first. 1884

[@MojiBeau]

I’ve never heard of that one. I’ll have to do some reading up

[@MrMossMan7272]

Nah there were the two brothers in the revolutionary war. The Harpe brothers. They are the actual first serial killers of the United States. I honestly don’t know why H H Holmes gets that title.

[@ianclarke3627]

I'm sure since the beginning of time we've had serial killers amongst us .

[@patavinity1262]

@@MrMossMan7272 There was probably some Native American serial killer 500 years ago. The point is really: who was the first to capture the public imagination.

[@MrMossMan7272]

@@patavinity1262 that fair but those brothers were the first documented in america. im sure there were a few crazy native americans, however they were probably cosidered great warriors haha

[@TimothyRCrowe]

I work at the Museum where his remains were brought to be forensically examined a few years ago. Ive held his skull in my hands several times. He was actually a little guy with a husky build. His brain had calcified to the size of a tennis ball in his head. You could rattle it around like a maraca.

[@skrrtskrrt646]

what the fuck

[@therealtony2009]

r/cursedcomments

[@buttersstotch1365]

Jesus Christ man

[@kai_fatallysapphic]

this is definitely something a demon would say as an interesting anecdote during their coffee break

[@datman3416]

Amazing, I live down the road from Holy cross cemetery where he’s buried

[@myriaddsystems]

I love this guy, he's so down to earth, no pretensions, no affectations, and even makes fun of himself. Just great. 😀

[@hanselmansell7555]

@King Holmvik 🥰🤣🤣

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

Holmes or Joe?

[@themudkip5295]

@@ImNotaRussianBot i had this same thought💀

[@kentrichardson9070]

Which guy?

[@christophermudgett9868]

When I was younger I Googled my family's name and this guy was the first person that popped up. Spooky.

[@unnamedchannel1237]

This comment is interesting, however it would be more interesting if you did it when you were older.

[@eldermillennial8330]

Doesn’t mean you’re closely related, your clan isn’t puny: www.houseofnames.com/mudgett-family-crest

[@bhadmomma8664]

😵

[@lizzyduarte5353]

You should consider on doing a DNA test to find out if you’re related to him

[@StinkFingerr]

Better change your name to Fudgitt.

[@diegopalacios4621]

You can tell joe felt good when he said “sleep tight kids” you can tell he enjoyed that

[@Alex-cw3rz]

The most shocking thing about H H Holmes is that he was able to get away from his creditors for so long.

[@sdgc8667]

It was easy and they refer to it as fraud. Nobody was going around verifying and checking ID's and/or birth records when doing business. They just used aliases everywhere and traveled

[@MrGonzonator]

Joe, you killed it. ... I'll get my coat.

[@dannycacciato1234]

and i'll get my knife

[@conradmarchant]

I get it!

[@brianbagnall3029]

Oh no Joe, please don't tell me you subscribe to this "punching up punching down" thinking. That is so unscientific. If someone robs from anyone, it is robbery, no matter what "class" the person is in. Or murders. Or beats up. Or whatever.

[@macdietz]

😂

[@dayalasingh5853]

And I'll get my copy of the Hobbit.

[@nicholasn.2883]

Fact: He wasn’t caught by Sherlock Holmes :(

[@Josh729J]

H. H. Holmes VS Sherlock Holmes let's get that movie

[@dayalasingh5853]

@@Josh729J *comic

[@mikemerta4743]

No shit Sherlock! 😜

[@tomasotreasaigh111]

I believe you, he wasnt caught by Sherlock Holmes because Sherlock Holmes is a FICTIONAL character. Its lemon entry my dear Watson...

[@myonlyone8713]

@@tomasotreasaigh111 it's a joke

[@theresahughes9447]

He also sold the skeletons of his murdered victims to university's which were hard to come by so any suspicions were ignored.

[@daerdevvyl4314]

Theresa Hughes *universities, not university’s. Why is it that so many people have become convinced in the last few years that apostrophes are used to pluralize words?

[@SoiledWig]

@@daerdevvyl4314 right!? It may be because spell check on phones doesn't catch that.

[@massimotrento3498]

@@daerdevvyl4314 yeah, like c'mon it's easy ' means it's owned by someone

[@sweetpotatojim]

From police reports, he dug graves and sold bodies. He wouldn't sell the body of someone he killed because of the risk.

[@sheldonpon9141]

This seems more like an Ask A Mortician video and I'm not complaining.

[@DIANAS5657]

Sheldon Pon I love that channel👍

[@jennieorti3628]

I love Caitlyn

[@hanselmansell7555]

Hahaha fab chanel! 👍

[@pumpkinprincess3786]

lol thats where i came from

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

Can you do one about Nikola Tesla?

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

That would be pretty cool.

[@istvanszabo3229]

A video by Joe about Nicola Tesla is long overdue... ;)

[@jimmymcinerney1950]

I would love Joe to do a video about Nicola Tesla. His life and different inventions.

[@wirelesmike73]

Yes, please!

[@johnmoniz3169]

That would be awesome.

[@mikelfunderburk5912]

Oooh. An early upload!? I'm really interested in this type of subject. Thanks Joe.

[@jennifermcgoldrick6323]

Read Devil in the White City - historical novel combining stories of contemporaries H.H. Holmes and Olmstead who designed Central Park and the Chicago World’s Fair grounds.

[@katbird2699]

"There are nine victims that are _canonical_ " I don't feel good about laughing at that sentence

[@g.b569]

Well, it is the same for a lot of serial killers. Of course, there's the most famous example of Henry Lee Lucas claiming to have killed 100s of people when it's possible (not confirmed) that he only killed 3 people. The horrifying truth is that we don't know how many victims there are and the sad truth is that families may not get the closure they deserve.

[@MashaRistova]

You know that word doesn’t just apply to fiction works right?

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

@@MashaRistova Why do people always think fiction or video games when they see canon or lore mentioned?

[@Jig_Artist]

I follow a decent amount of true crime so when I saw this from you Joe, I jumped at the chance! I was not disappointed. Thanks for doing this video and for all of your ongoing work. Your sense of humour is just perfect 👌🏾

[@jackielinde7568]

Joe: "I don't really carry 'serial killer' shirts." Me: "...yet!"

[@darthmortus5702]

Suspiciously specific denial if I ever saw one ;)

[@commonweakness9060]

Thanks for another great vid. As much as i like your science/info videos i really like these character studies. I wouldn't mind seeing more of these.

[@crooker2]

I also heard that Holmes was a real morning person. In fact, he was quite the 'cereal killer'. Thank you, thank you. No, really, please sit down, you're too much.

[@TheMrEcks]

@@eldermillennial8330 you'd care if you knew corn flakes were meant to essentially squash libido, I'd bet.

[@TheMrEcks]

And oddly... He was known to... Break fast when the pressure was on.

[@eldermillennial8330]

Mister Ecks Huh? Not that I’d put it past him, but I thought it was just a side project to help out a baker friend? His crazy ideas did have a few accidental benefits, like the yogurt enema. It didn’t do squat for what he intended, but it did help replace good bacteria.

[@rickychambers6503]

His fav shampoo.. head and shoulders!

[@dg798]

Omg no

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

Damn Joe, you’re close to a million! This is such a quality channel you’ve built (not sure if you have a team, but if so they’re clearly awesome also), you deserve it!

[@masonsaunders]

OMG complex story good job on research and putting it together thanks Joe and team

[@semicharmedlife311]

I should point out that the "research" you referenced are all points of common knowledge recounted by numerous sources by this point in time and history. Still a good vid, particular for the comedic elements Joe always introduces. I lol'd a couple times.

[@ilarious5729]

I've never understood people commenting how some random youtuber just brightened their day and helped them trough some dark perioid, but it was just because i didnt know Joe then! You just made my day sir! :)

[@Gen-XTex]

Thank you, Joe. With all the crazy stuff going on, I get some solace from watching your short stories that are packed full of interesting facts and happenings. 😎

[@nealingtypeshi]

I’d love for you to do more biographies like this type of video. Very informative and entertaining to watch.

[@levidavies6709]

Was surprised to check in for today’s video and see the subject was on this dude! I grew up in Gilmanton, NH. The Mudgett house still stands today, as does the Peyton Place house(my childhood home abutted that property). I did a history project on H.H. Holmes in high school; thanks for doing this one some justice, Joe!

[@dantess2693]

Honestly Joe I love the fact your channel and content covers a wide variety of subjects! You never know what you're gonna get from week to week!

[@robcrawford7780]

You nailed this one, Joe! Awesome work and research. This is gonna get you a Ton of hits!!!

[@JisooKim-wo3if]

I’ve watched many shows about HH Holmes, but never heard the information you present here on your show. Thank you.

[@HipsterYoda]

I love your vids and I love learning about this stuff (serial killers). I haven't ever been more excited to watch a KZbin video lol. However Belle Gunnes, an equally gruesome serial killer, started killing her victims in 1884 and continued until 1908 (compared to Holmes 1893-96 and 9 years earlier). She killed 25-40 people and quite possibly faked her own deathhhh 😊

[@therockinboxer]

Wow, no way! Ive never heard of her but I'm definitely intrigued..

[@abradolfhonkler9287]

Ever check out Israel Keyes? He's the perfect example of what serial killers have evolved to in the modern age, managed to evade a lot of media by killing himself before his trial.

[@MojiBeau]

Never heard of her... going to do some digging on that one

[@squamish4244]

Very committed serial killer.

[@janeeggleston9542]

I think Bell killed her first husband in 1890 and there were only 11 confirmed bodies on her property. Check out the LaPorte historical museum in Indiana, who has the Bell collection. I have seen it a few times, and it is really creepy! In my grandmother’s time, there were rumors in the area that Bell was doing a Mrs. Lovett with the bodies. I was so freaked out by that story that people would give me home-made sausages for gag gifts.

[@preddy09]

I like how the background music is the same from space exploration to serial killers

[@VanceWarren83]

Pitezel is pronounced “pie-t-zel”. Other than that, I liked how you told the true story. Ah others don’t. They tell the media, drama story. So kudos!

[@kristenkeys3273]

I read Devil in the White City long ago and loved it. It also includes some interesting bits about the building of the first Ferris wheel and one of the first appearances of the ice cream cone. (At least that’s what I remember.) Very good read. Thanks for this fascinating video and the attached blog!

[@juliepiemonte1281]

Larson also wrote "isaac's Storm." Great book.

[@marthahines1979]

Second your thoughts about Devil and the White City. Two stories happening at the same time. Gripping read. Larsen has written a number of great books, check ‘em out! Thanks Joe😊

[@markeriross2052]

This was really cool, I like these videos! To be honest, it's really cool to hear the actual story from someone with an influence. It really shows how twisted it can get through media and how history gets distorted over time. It's awful that the real victims don't get acknowledged but having some exposure is really good. Awesome video!

[@StanleyOrchard]

Sick Burn on Comcast Customer Service! USA! USA! USA!

[@danenright]

Am I the only one who called the number in the infographic to find it is a scam 'tech support line?' Are you trolling Joe?? XD

[@djb4690]

Just found the channel about 2 days ago and cant stop watching. Love the content keep it up Joe!

[@joanrankin2827]

Great job! Love the debunking the myths! Definitely enjoyed the theme!

[@blairedawn8307]

Fabulous as always, Joe

[@devlinm5398]

I appreciate you clarifying this story. I researched this a year or two ago and was really confused by how HH Holmes was glorified. Nice job as always 👍🏻

[@g.b569]

Read Depraved by Harold Schecter or Devil in the White City by Eric Larson. to get the full scope of this serial Killer

[@BeGioBijoux]

I just recently discovered your channel (this week) and I’m hooked! Keep them vids coming 🌟

[@damienhunt4264]

Really appreciate your uploads, Joe; always engaging.

[@SarahGreen523]

Thank you!! I really appreciate knowing truth over fiction! And I love biographies of people with interesting psychology.

[@sebastienraymond3648]

Ok .. thanks for this story in criminology. In all sincerity, it was lacking in my general culture, I did not know that this monster has existed. I'm going to sleep less stupid tonight. 👍

[@robertraymond3681]

Papa?

[@emmaflemming8649]

I’ve been watching your videos at work everyday for like 2 months I’ve learned so much and it helps work go by so much faster thank yu 🥺🖤

[@n8w1]

Well done as always Joe, Thanks so much!

[@geoffread2707]

Enjoyed the bio. It’s good to mix up the content every once in a while. Thanks Joe

[@CJG1419]

The Devil in the White City is a very well researched book regarding Holmes. Great video!

[@taffy7730]

So Is the book "perfect place to die" by Bryce Moore !!

[@HalteroMMC]

Great video. The structure made it we actually understand the Holmes' story. Thank you!

[@Dave.Cooper]

Wow, you really did your research on this one. Loved this story. Please make more like this.

[@poppasmurf4115]

have you ever considered...you have the perfect persona, the perfect look, the perfect personal presentation for...radio. just messing with you, absolutely love your channel.

[@fanrosefabrose9457]

He is the epitome of radio commentary, honestly.

[@poppasmurf4115]

@@fanrosefabrose9457 i was just joking. once i found his channel i binged watched his old stuff and i never miss anything he puts out.

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

A face for radio 😄 that's rough.

[@bratleysatori]

Hey, Joe you're awesome. Love your content. Before mudgett, there was a family out in kansas that were killing people but not a lot of people know of them. They were the benders. What keeps them from being recognized as being the first serial killers? Keep up the great work.

[@llywrch7116]

Those were the Benders. Evil people. Never caught.

[@polacoddgo]

Hey Joe, ever since I read "devil in the white city" I've been really interested in learning more about "HH", thanks for the video, you are super funny!

[@thegreatestislove5935]

Just ran across this and you are hilarious! 😂 Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@PeterMancini]

Loved this one. Your videos are always very interesting.

[@ilarious5729]

Wow this was really random thursday, thank you so much! Never have i seen sciense channel covering my other interest: serial killers. I'm tired of those sensational youtube channels covering these topics without any insight.

[@myoriginalname]

Love to see more videos like this also I like the fact it's almost 20 mins long and not just 10 ish mins

[@ROBERTSMITH-ug7vb]

Your videos are fantastic! Thank you for the knowledge.

[@drunkalfuzzyness]

Really interesting video. Love tue biography style videos. As someone else has said, a Nicola Tesla one would be amazing

[@nicholas3435]

2:37 "I don't carry serial killer shirts" Get to work then!!

[@IntriguedLioness]

Good retelling of the facts as we know them! I went to University in Chicago and the stories, true or false, of HH Holmes ranked up there with the "Al Capone on this building" stories. Watching "American Horror Story" a few seasons ago I laughed when I saw that they had made a huge part of the "hotel" season with all of the lore of HH Holme's hotel with hidden access shoots etc. _It's as if he was Sweeney Todd himself!_

[@dougfry2477]

Fascinating! This has all the elements for a compelling series.

[@dutchside33]

Jesus Christ Joe you need to get a TV series this waiting is too much.

[@therockinboxer]

I know, he should pitch a short science series to Netflix. They may even help produce it.

[@Jearrod]

You had so much extra energy 😂

[@fraustedwhite]

I watch all of your videos. I really enjoyed this one. Keep it up!

[@MrBudsyD]

The book 'Devil in the White City' is a great recounting of Holmes and also about the Chicago Exposition in some great detail. The stories parallel each other. Highly recommended.

[@m.a.droofer4185]

14:35 Was his cell mate an inspiration for the movie A CLOCKWORK ORANGE?

[@DanGamble]

You don't have a serial killer Tee-shirt so you wear your face instead! Hahahahaaaa!! Gold!!!

[@daerdevvyl4314]

Dan Gamble Better than wearing someone else’s.

[@richmakarski2812]

You are a great and entertaining story teller Joe. Fascinating topics. Thanks for your channel.

[@Sassybflylady]

I think you should keep doing these types of videos..I love all your stuff...keep up the great work@

[@scifience8297]

please do a video on napoleon bonaparte

[@ironsnowflake1076]

This was *dark* and very interesting...I have heard many things about this man (a lot of them were debunked in this vid) thanks Joe 🔍

[@monicamason3414]

Saw a docuseries on the man. You covered more backstory. Thank you.

[@Anita4RDH]

Amazing! Very interesting! Loved the biography style!!

[@gregorythoman8281]

I liked this video. Sometimes I get tired of all the science stuff. It is nice to have an all American serial killer for a change.

[@coyoteboy5601]

Check out 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson. A great read! Thanks, Joe! LOVE your stuff!

[@Music-lx1tf]

I love history and read a lot of it. First time I've heard of HH Holmes. Good story.

[@cavv0667]

You've done a great job with this video!!!

[@veteran17865]

You should do a video about Jack the Ripper and the diary that was found recently possibly reveling his identity as James Maybrick.

[@daisybuchanan8205]

That would be interesting

[@comadarkvale]

The diary wasnt found recently its several decades old now and was debunked

[@Supermesoawesom]

Aaron Kosminski is assumes to be JTR

[@comadarkvale]

@@Supermesoawesom nope. That wasn't legit

[@Supermesoawesom]

Andrew Coma Stegall maybe you should look up the definition of assumed. Never said it was definite.

[@lucky7even622]

Me: Likes video 👍🏾 FBI: We'll be keeping our eyes on you....

[@85AngelRogue]

Do more on serial killers ! Very intriguing. Also on astronomy 😁

[@purplefire2834]

+

[@atomeinstein3168]

I love it when you space out sometimes ☺️

[@strm854]

People check in but they dont check out. Props to Raid for making me chuckle this a.m

[@birdmann9197]

"It's a joke...," We'll be the judge of that.

[@BenTheSkipper]

hey Joe,what does it really take to come up with such amazing content.Contet full of facts and in some instances,reviews?Is it possible for you to do a behind the scenes video?

[@triggerhappyjay4794]

My first time watching your channel and right off the bat you have me laughing haha much love brother you earned yourself a new sub🙏🏻

[@dibbage]

Tell me why I thought he was an author and wrote books

[@salinagrrrl69]

Call this venue, "MO☆JOE THURSDAY".

[@ryanedwards4512]

This is a great channel. Thank you for the very interesting content..God Bless

[@nijiheart6743]

I really like your channel. Hoping for more interesting videos to come! 💕

[@EricHomeyer]

It's "Cincinnati" (three n's , one t) Cool video though!

[@misternewoutlook5437]

I caught that too. Easy to misspell. I used to always get confused over it until I figured out a way to always get it right. If you just remember "Cin-Cin" and simply put "Nati" on the end. That's it.

[@EricHomeyer]

Good trick. Easier for me since I live there, lol.

[@ichheissedamian]

Lol the 44 who disliked the video r probably the active serial killers

[@gaylebaker8419]

Or they spotted errors.

[@mazziverecords28]

“Collabin with myself” killed me 😂😂 huge fan btw

[@iansparkman8053]

Joe, I absolutely love all of your videos.

[@WeyounSix]

When you say "Ben" it becomes 100% apparent that you are from Texas hahaha

[@ryanthorn5574]

Hi Joe, I have a weird request: i noticed Atlas Obscura on your back wall. Having just visited it and because I have a sick fascination with it, would you be able to do a segment on the Chislehurst Caves in England. Nothing ties so many different periods of British history quite like the caves and its a really cool topic...at least I think. What would you think about that? Regardless, keep the great topics going and have a fantastic day.

[@missmissy9622]

I love when you post about history !

[@theonethingwealladore]

“H.H Holmes, America’s first serial killer” Christopher Columbus: Am I a joke to you?