Murderer’s Cave

How did this place get such a chilling name? Looking at this simple rock formation, it’s hard to imagine the dark history hidden within. This, my friends, is Murderer’s Cave, a place with a story as intriguing as its name suggests. In the annals of Maine history, Thorne Head Preserve is known for its tranquil trails and scenic views. But nestled within its peaceful embrace lies a shadowy reminder of a crime that once shook the quiet town of Bath. Our story takes us back to 1883, to a time when this serene landscape harbored a fugitive. It all began with two “ne’er-do-well sailors,” Daniel Wilkinson and John Ewitt. Driven by greed, they attempted to rob the D.C. Gould Ship Chandlery and Provision Store in Bath. Their crime was interrupted by Constable William Lawrence, known affectionately as “Uncle Billy”, who happened to be patrolling the area. In a moment of desperation, Wilkinson shot Constable Lawrence, fatally wounding him. The two sailors fled, hoping to escape justice. Ewitt managed to escape all the way to England. However, Wilkinson sought refuge in the very cave we stand before today, hoping to evade the law. Eventually, he was captured. The cave, forever marked by his desperate act, became known as Murderer’s Cave. Wilkinson’s capture led to a trial that gripped the nation. He was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging, a common practice in Maine at the time. His execution, however, did not go as planned. Wilkinson’s death was agonizingly slow, sparking outrage and fueling the movement to abolish the death penalty in Maine. Although a dark chapter in the history of this place, the story of Murderer’s Cave serves as a stark reminder of the power of the past to linger in unexpected places.