In 1692 Salem, Massachusetts was swept by an hysterical fear of witchcraft. Over 160 individuals were charged with “covenanting with evil spirits.”

“The witch house” In February, 1692, three accused women were examined by Magistrates Jonathan Corwin and John Hathorne. Corwin's home, known as the Witch House, still stands at the corner of North and Essex Streets in Salem, providing guided tours and tales of the first witchcraft trials.

Nineteen men and women were hanged for supposedly practicing diabolical arts.

In the 17th century, witchcraft was commonplace—few denied the reality of the black arts.

Hysteria in Salem began from an actual case involving two young girls. Tituba, an Indian woman, admitted that she and two other girls had been practicing witchcraft.

This incident sparked the interest of many and soon the number of the accused exceeded seventy.

“Arresting a Witch” by Howard Poyle

Kings Chapel Burying Ground Est. 1630

The government of Massachusetts was in the process of great change and dealt poorly with the accusations.

Puritan clergy became critical of the sort of evidence that court had admitted. Eventually the clergy’s influence brought the court’s frenzy to an end.

William Stoughton Chief justice of Massachusetts 1631-1701