The story of Mary Rogers, a 20-year-old woman known as the “Beautiful Cigar Girl” in New York, captivated the city in 1841. Her body was found in the Hudson River, and the mystery surrounding her death sparked a media frenzy.
Mary was popular and charming, attracting many people to the cigar shop where she worked. On July 25, 1841, she disappeared after telling her mother she was going to see family. Three days later, her body was discovered with signs of violence.
Newspapers reported a “peculiar expression of suffering” on her face and marks around her neck. A handkerchief with her initials was found near the crime scene, along with parts of her dress. Rumors spread that Mary had been seen with a mysterious man, and some believed she may have died during a failed abortion. Others suspected a gang attack.
The investigation stalled, but the press continued to speculate about Mary’s life and the men she knew. Her fiancé, Daniel Payne, was deeply affected by her death and died by suicide near where her body was found.
The famous writer Edgar Allan Poe was fascinated by the case and wrote a story called “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt,” which was based on Mary’s life. Poe tried to solve the fictionalized case using clues from newspaper reports, but he never came to a clear conclusion.
Mary Rogers’ death had a lasting impact. It was mentioned during discussions about New York’s first anti-abortion law in 1845, and it was also used as an argument for creating a better police force in the city.
