In the year 1800, America was a sort of a utopian union, and still a brand new nation. 1800 saw the first presidential election, the first census, and the Library of Congress was founded. But the strength of a union isn’t truly known until it is tested. And, just like the liberty bell — strength would be tested — and the cracks would begin to show. This is the story of the first murder trial of our brand new nation (mentioned in the Broadway musical, Hamilton) and the first murder trial with a recorded transcript: the infamous Manhattan Well murder of Elma Sands.

WARNING: some cursing, mention of death, sexual relations out of a marriage