The Trial of Emma Cunningham

The 1857 murder of a wealthy dentist by Emma Cunningham, a widow rumored to be his lover, highlights societal anxieties in New York amid the escalating national crisis over slavery. The case captivated public attention and reflected fears about the rising number of domestic murders by women, threatening the established patriarchal order. This incident serves as a lens to explore the intersection of crime, gender roles, and societal tensions during a pivotal moment in American history.