Salem, Massachusetts
We visited Salem, Massachusetts on a whim, when we realized it was only 45 minutes away from where we were staying. In 1692, fear, conspiracy and cruelty overtook the villagers of Salem. History says that this started with two children who were having convulsions in a home with no wood, that was freezing cold. And, that the local doctor was an initiator of the witch conspiracy. Almost immediately, townspeople started to accuse each other of being witches. Apparently, over 200 people were accused.
Witchcraft trials and executions were held regularly in England so apparently the people that immigrated brought it with them?!! Many people were checked for unusual markings on their bodies that might be considered a sign of the devil. This was done in public rooms full of people.
Of those accused, Twenty people were convicted and sentenced to death. They were hung in two days time, and one was crushed because he wouldn’t confess. Five others accused of witchcraft perished in jail. This insanity lasted only 9 months, yet its history lives on like it lasted many years.They say that because a wife of either a pastor or judge was accused the trials abruptly stopped.
I’m sharing pictures of the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and links with more historical information. It’s really fascinating to read. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller came to mind. Apparently, his story came from this history. I remember seeing a version of the play years ago and it seemed so unbelievable, but it happened. It must have been terrifying for everyone. You never know if you’re next?!!
Salem seems to have embraced the history of witchcraft in a commercialized way. Some people were walking around town wearing costumes —a somewhat similar feel to Halloween Town in St. Helen’s, but far more elaborate, and ongoing rather than just the month of October. I thought it might feel evil wandering through there but it felt historic and only the history felt evil.
One thing we’ve learned traveling around the USA, is that there is so much horrifying history… Sad!
Witch Trials Memorial:
Witch House History Link:
View the original documents and transcripts from the trial and those accused or involved —Interesting!!
House of Seven Gables
Bewitched filmed episodes of the show in Salem, but most were filmed in Connecticut
“Lord Help Me. I Am Wholly Innocent”
Entrance to the Memorial
A Stone engraved for each person with the name, date and how they died.
This man refused to confess and paid a horrible price in death, just horrific!
More of the Memorial
The cemetery from the 1600’s was located next to the Memorial. None of the accused witch’s were buried there, their bodies were thought to have been taken by relatives or buried away from the village.
Fencing around part of the cemetery grounds.
1629 —The Church Covenant
US Custom House
The Point
Museum Pieces
An invitation to to breakfast on a yacht Cleopatra’ Barge which we stepped int, it was very ornate.
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Marble Owl
Shipwreck
Marble Sculpture -Evangeline
1856-58 by Louisa Lander
Contemporary Native Dress
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Beautiful Marble Statue
Extremely thought-provoking Art
Doorways of the Period
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This home is the oldest directly tied to the witch trials of 1692 and was owned by Judge Johnathon Corwin (1640- 1718) who was directly involved with the witch trials. Another interesting Link
The Witch House (front and back)
Huge Fireplaces in the Witch House
Documents from that period listing things like what to look for when determining if someone is a witch
Original Piece of Furniture
Dress of the 1600 - 1700 Era
1600’s mattress with rope to tighten and bind the mattresses that were filled with Straw.
Furniture in the Witch House
Salem Five Cent Savings Bank
Americas Oldest Candy Shop
I tried the Black Jacks, a molasses stick, that was not as hard as ordinary hard candy. Pretty tasty and safe on teeth! 😋
Saint Peters, est.1733
Has tiny graveyard beside it. We saw a lot of that in the South too. It was common to have parishioners buried on the Church grounds, but this was strangely close.
Almost all merchants have witch in the name Lol
Town Hall
Extremely Uneven
Houses from the 1600’s and 1700’s had placards with the year built, the owners and their profession.
The Ropes Mansion and Gardens
Wasn’t in bloom yet 🙁
Derby Square
1824 Asiatic Bank Entry —Reminded me of something from a Harry Potter movie.
Town Hall —No people Shot 😉
Courtyard in Historic Downtown Salem
Old Customs House
Ornate detail on the building’s
Love the cobble stone but hard to walk on
Cute Window Art
Refurbishing the boat below, will look similar to the above.
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