Becky Cotton, also known as “The Devil in Petticoats,” met her demise in 1807 on the steps of the old Edgefield, SC Courthouse, when her brother smashed her in the head with a rock. Over the years, Cotton’s legend has grown, and little is known about her alleged crimes, as most information regarding her trial has been lost.
Some believe that Cotton was the first female serial killer in the United States, while others believe that the beautiful woman from Edgefield was not guilty of the charges. Either way, Cotton walked free, but that still hasn’t stopped people from talking about her 218 years later.
While the tale of her heinous acts is intriguing and would undoubtedly make her the first female serial killer known, it may be her ghostly spirit that is said to haunt the courthouse steps even today, which may leave visitors to this small town in South Carolina more terror-stricken.
It should be noted that the old courthouse is believed to have been placed where the present-day square is, since the newer courthouse was built in 1839.
Even today, people can feel her presence there. Is Becky still trying to communicate beyond the grave to plead her innocence, or is her spirit forever trapped for eternity near the last spot where she died an untimely death?
Written By John G. Clark Jr.
