400 Years Of Salem

“Salem is in part a story of what happens when a set of unanswerable questions meets a set of unquestioned answers.” – Stacy Schiff, The Witches: Salem, 1692 

Salem, Massachusetts, a city that first belonged to the Naumkeag people, was then officially settled as one of the original 13 colonies in 1636. This town has been the center of conversation for decades- from the witch trials to popular culture, Salem has forever left its imprint on the United States.

The Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials are one of the most popular witch hunts in American history. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in 1692, over 200 people were accused of witchcraft, with 20 people being executed. 

This wave of hysteria began when the two daughters of minister Samuel Parris fell mysteriously ill. A local doctor claimed the reason was witchcraft when he was brought in to assess the girls.

I believe he called it witchcraft due to his failure to identify the illness, but I digress.

This would lead to the first accusations of witchcraft in Salem, as the residents’ Puritan beliefs drove them to take action against the “ungodly.”

One of the most popular cases during this time was the judgment and execution of Sarah Good. Throughout her life, she struggled with debt inherited from her late father and continued to live in poverty as she never recovered from his financial burdens. 

When Good was convicted as a witch, people in the village claimed she would continuously be filled with anger and curse out neighbors. Others discussed how she would use a broomstick to fly around and attend gatherings hosted by local witches. 

Good was executed on July 19, 1692, at the gallows alongside three other individuals who were also convicted.

As I interpret this tragic time in history, I am stuck with so many questions. The one thing I believe wholeheartedly is that the witch trials were rooted deep in misogyny within a patriarchal society. 

Thinking about the demographic of the accused, about 80% of them were women. They shared common life attributes, such as poverty, sickness, or being a member of the community who stood up for what they believed in.

Yes, during this time men and women seemed to have a somewhat similar input when it came to the accusations and executions of those they deemed as “witches.” However, their deep religious views are ingrained in this town.

Let’s say, hypothetically, that these women were actually participating in spiritual practices during this time. Why does that make them any different from the men?

When a woman holds spiritual gatherings or uses herbal medicine, she’s a witch and worships the devil.

But when a man leads a church service and uses anointing oil, he’s a spiritual leader and a divine person chosen by God.

Interesting.

Local Hauntings

One of my favorite aspects about any historical city is diving into the local hauntings that have become legends of the town. With Salem’s solemn past, there are dozens of said spirits to roam the streets. 

One story discusses “The Strangler,” named Sheriff George Corwin, who is linked to the Joshua Ward House. Corwin was a sheriff in Salem during the witch trials and oversaw many executions during this time. 

His tactics were inhumane and brutal, causing many townspeople to hold anger towards him. When he passed away, his body was buried in the basement, underneath his home. This would prevent repercussions from the people in his town. 

When his original home was torn down, the Joshua Ward House was built on top of where his house was. People who stay here claim that his negative spirit is still active and walking among the living. Many individuals say they have been scratched or bruised by him.

Another tale takes place at The Old Burying Point Cemetery, which was established in 1637. This is the resting place of John Hawthorne, a judge during the Salem Witch Trials. He was a man who failed to denounce his false rulings during the trials and died backing his decisions. 

This cemetery is also said to hold many burial sites of figures such as the last Massachusetts Bay Colony governor and a passenger of the Mayflower. People say that shadows are seen manifesting as the atmosphere feels heavy and sad with the history of an unhappy past.

Salem Today

Since Salem’s colonial origin 400 years ago, it has been a town ingrained in pop culture. One of the most iconic and recognizable Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus, follows a teenager named Max Dennison who lives in Salem.

He accidentally resurrects three witches that were hanged during the witch trials. The Sanderson sisters- Winifred, Sarah, and Mary-are depicted as stereotypical witches in the media. 

They cackle, make potions in a cauldron, and fly around on a broomstick.

Is this movie historically correct?

No.

Does it share the truth of the horrific events that were conspired against innocent people in the late 16th century?

Absolutely not.

The plot plays into the accusations that were made against 200-plus people decades ago, yet Hollywood seems to continue to depict the false claims as opposed to the truth of this fateful time period.

But I will play devil’s advocate … the movie is really entertaining, and I do watch it every October.

Songs like “Witches of Salem” by Saxon and books such as The Crucible or The House of the Seven Gables also depict historical themes of mass hysteria and hauntings that are closely tied to Salem.

Aside from creative pieces of media, the city itself wears its past with a badge of honor. There are dozens of attractions that tourists flock to, especially during the spooky season. Exploring witch houses, seeing memorials, and going on ghost tours is a part of the continuous effort to keep the history alive. 

And get that citywide income from tourism.

I can’t judge too hard. 

I also wanna visit Salem and do all the historical tours while holding a rem pod, trying to capture spirits.

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