Between 1918 and 1919, New Orleans was shaken by a string of brutal nighttime attacks. The unknown assailant— nicknamed the "Axeman"—crept into homes and struck victims with an axe, often one taken from the very household. Fear swept through the city, striking particular terror in the Italian American community, where many of the victims lived and worked.
Though the Axeman was never identified or brought to justice, his crimes left a lasting mark on New Orleans' history. The mystery has inspired books, music, television, and countless retellings, cementing the story amongst other famous true crime cases.
This exhibit, Truly Terrifying, presents a brief account of the events that once plagued the Crescent City. We invite true crime enthusiasts and the curious alike to visit the Logan Library and experience the story for themselves, which is on display from October 1 to November 2.
Image Credit: The Historic New Orleans Collection
On March 16, 1919, the Times-Picayune published a letter to the editor from an individual claiming to be the axman. The writer boasts, “They have never caught me and they never will. . . . I am not a human being, but a spirit and a fell demon from the hottest hell.” He announces a plan to attack again at 12:15 a.m. on Saint Joseph’s Day—but notes that he is fond of jazz music and will spare anyone playing jazz music or with a jazz band in full swing that night.
Inspired by the axman’s letter, Joseph John Davilla, a local composer of popular music, wrote this piece “while he waited for the axman” and had it published, using the Times-Picayune cartoon on the cover.
Newspaper articles detailing home invasions by the Axeman, published in The Times-Picayune on August 15, 1918 (Left) and September 15, 1918 (Right).
-James Karst, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, 2018
A story from The Times-Picayune detailing the attack on Mr. and Mrs. Maggio, published on May 23, 1918. (Left, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, 2018) / A photo graphic from The Times-Picayune, published in May 1918, depicting the scene of one of the Axeman's attacks. (Right, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, 2024)
Photo of Italian American family in grocery store during the early 20th century (Left, Smithsonian Magazine, 2018) / Newspaper article headline about the murder of Joseph Romano and the rising concern in the Italian-American community (Right, Accessed via PocketSights)
Image credit: Manning Makes Stuff
Concept art and papier mache Axeman mask made by Manning Krull for Mardi Gras 2018
How much do you know about serial killers? Click on the link above to test your knowledge and learn about the twisted people behind some of the world's darkest crimes.
Click the link above to listen to Joseph John Davilla's composition -played by Dorian Henry- that was inspired by the Axeman of New Orleans.
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