Salem, Massachusetts, is a small coastal town located in the northeastern United States. This historic town holds a significant place in American history due to its association with the infamous Salem witch trials that occurred in the late 17th century. The name Salem, derived from the Hebrew word for peace, reflects the peaceful ambiance of this charming town. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, Salem takes visitors on a journey back in time as they wander through its quaint neighborhoods. The main attraction of Salem is undoubtedly its connection to the witch trials of 1692. During this dark period, several young girls accused their fellow townspeople of practicing witchcraft, leading to the arrest and execution of many innocent individuals.
Additional note: In the 1940s, the City of Salem wanted to enlarge North Street, which would have required the demolition of the old Corwin House, which, in the mid-1940s, had a storefront attached to the front. A group of citizens raised $42,000, to save both this house and the neighboring Bowditch House. Both houses were moved. The Witch House stands about 35 feet back from its original location, on a foundation created to stabilize it. The Bowditch House is next door. This historic preservation was the beginning of Historic Salem, Inc., founded in 1944. The Witch House opened as a museum in 1948.
It was the stately home of Judge Jonathan Corwin 1640-1718 and is the only remaining structure in Salem that you can visit that has direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Chris Gist, left, and Benjamin Ray, right, used geographic information systems technology in UVA s Scholar s Lab to help identify the execution site in Salem.
During this dark period, several young girls accused their fellow townspeople of practicing witchcraft, leading to the arrest and execution of many innocent individuals. Today, visitors can explore the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a somber reminder of this tragic chapter in American history. Aside from its historical significance, Salem offers a variety of attractions and activities for residents and tourists alike.
With UVA’s Help, Salem Finally Discovers Where Its ‘Witches’ Were Executed
It’s an inconspicuous spot: a rocky outcropping next to a Walgreens pharmacy, in the midst of a quiet residential neighborhood.
Researchers now know that Proctor’s Ledge was one of the most conspicuous spots in Salem, Massachusetts more than 300 years ago: the site where 19 accused witches were executed during the notorious Salem Witch Trials.
University of Virginia religious studies professor Benjamin Ray is one of five researchers leading the Gallows Hill Project, which announced its discovery last week to significant national attention. Ray, author of “Satan and Salem” (University of Virginia Press, 2015), oversees UVA’s Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project, the most comprehensive digital archive of primary source materials from the trials. He worked with Chris Gist, a Geographic Information Systems specialist in Alderman Library’s Scholars' Lab, to digitally map the area and help confirm earlier research pinpointing the execution site.
Chris Gist, left, and Benjamin Ray, right, used geographic information systems technology in UVA’s Scholar’s Lab to help identify the execution site in Salem. (Photo by Dan Addison)
To identify the site, the researchers combed through maps, court documents and other primary sources, hoping to determine the location of “the house below the hill.” That phrase, discovered among nearly 1,000 pages of court records by researcher Marilynne Roach, was uttered by 51-year-old accused witch Rebecca Eames during her preliminary examination on Aug. 19, 1692. The magistrate asked if she had witnessed the five executions that occurred earlier that day and Eames responded that she was at “the house below the hill” when she saw the executions. (Appropriately, one of those executed that day was 60-year-old tavern keeper John Proctor. Proctor’s Ledge was named after one of his descendants).
The phrase “the house below the hill,” mentioned by Rebecca Eames as the place where she witnessed the executions, gave researchers a valuable clue that eventually led to the execution site.
The team determined that Eames was referencing a house on Boston Street, most likely the house owned by the McCarter family. Boston Street was the main road that led into the courthouse and was across from several acres of public land, now called Gallows Hill. Researchers knew the executions took place on Gallows Hill, but they did not know exactly where.
A map of Salem in 1692, drawn by historian Sidney Perley, shows Gallows Hill, Boston Street and the John McCarter House. Perley identified Proctor’s Ledge as a possible execution site.
To find out, Ray and Gist analyzed maps of Salem drawn by early 20th-century Salem historian Sidney Perley, using technology that Perley lacked – the geographic information system software in UVA’s Scholars' Lab. The Scholars' Lab, which includes GIS specialists, has expanded rapidly over the last eight years to provide digital mapping resources to projects across Grounds.
“GIS really crosses all disciplines,” Gist said. “Anything that is spatial can be leveraged using GIS, and it can contribute to research in history, religious studies, politics, environmental science, architecture and many other disciplines.”
Using current topographical analysis, historical maps and aerial photos, Gist created a viewshed analysis of the topography surrounding Boston Street and Gallows Hill to determine which ledges on the side of the hill would have been visible from the houses on Boston Street.
“We were able to spatialize history to gain more evidence and deepen the historical narrative,” Ray said. “We wanted to know which house Rebecca Eames was likely in and whether she was telling the truth. She had been deliberately lying in other parts of her testimony, confessing that she was a witch to save herself from the gallows. How could we be certain that she could see the executions, as she testified, from any of the nearby houses?
“We also wanted to test the accuracy of Perley’s hand-drawn maps. GIS mapping was the best way to tackle both questions.”
This map shows modern-day Salem, with the parcel of land containing Proctor’s Ledge highlighted in green. The blue dots show the location of several houses on Boston Street in 1692, including the McCarter House, where researchers place Rebecca Eames.
Gist’s analysis confirmed that Proctor’s Ledge would have been the most visible site from Boston Street and from the western part of the city in 1692, making it a prime location for city officials eager to make examples of those being executed.
Proctor’s Ledge was also the most easily accessible site outside of the city boundary. Ray and Gist analyzed the likely route for transporting prisoners from the prison in the center of Salem to Proctor’s Ledge. It was high enough to be seen prominently, but not too high to be reached by cart.
This map shows Gist’s topographical analysis of one of Sidney Perley’s maps of 1692 Salem, with the Gallows Hill common land on the left. The white areas indicate the areas with the best visibility from Boston Street.
Once they identified the site, Peter Sablock, a geologist at Salem State University, conducted extensive analysis using ground-penetrating radar. They discovered no relics or human remains and found that there is less than three feet of soil on Proctor’s Ledge –not enough to bury victims’ bodies in the ledge’s small crevices. This is consistent with oral histories recounting that families of the victims returned to the execution site at night to recover their loved ones’ bodies dumped in the crevices and rebury them in family cemetery plots. There was also no trace of a gallows structure, confirming that victims were most likely hanged from a tree, as was customary at the time.
The research team was also able to share its findings with Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and other city officials. Salem is now planning a small memorial for the site, which is owned by the city and located in a heavily wooded, residential area.
“This project is a great example of scholars from different disciplines at different schools coming together and using new technology to make important discoveries about significant events,” Ray said. “Together, we arrived at our conclusions and participated in Salem’s plans to memorialize the events at Proctor’s Ledge.”
A clip from a documentary – “Gallows Hill – Nineteen” being developed about the Gallows Hill Project. (Video provided by Tom Phillips, G Street Productions, LLC).
Once they identified the site, Peter Sablock, a geologist at Salem State University, conducted extensive analysis using ground-penetrating radar. They discovered no relics or human remains and found that there is less than three feet of soil on Proctor’s Ledge –not enough to bury victims’ bodies in the ledge’s small crevices. This is consistent with oral histories recounting that families of the victims returned to the execution site at night to recover their loved ones’ bodies dumped in the crevices and rebury them in family cemetery plots. There was also no trace of a gallows structure, confirming that victims were most likely hanged from a tree, as was customary at the time.
The city boasts numerous museums, including the Peabody Essex Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts. The House of Seven Gables, an iconic New England mansion immortalized in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, is also a popular destination for history enthusiasts. Salem is also renowned for its maritime heritage. The city's seafaring history is on display at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, where visitors can explore historic buildings, wharves, and even step aboard a fully restored ship. Additionally, Salem is home to the Salem Willows Park, a waterfront park offering scenic views, amusement rides, and a variety of summer festivities. As a place of residence, Salem provides a unique and vibrant community for its residents. The town's rich history and diverse cultural scene create a stimulating environment with a strong sense of community. Residents can enjoy a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Salem Haunted Happenings during October, which draws in visitors from all over the world. Overall, Salem offers a distinctive blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its connection to the Salem witch trials makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, while its charming atmosphere and community spirit make it an appealing place to call home. Whether one is drawn to the chills of October or the tranquility of a seaside stroll, Salem has something to offer for everyone..
Reviews for "Magic and Mysteries in Salem's Place of Residence"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Place of Residence Witch Salem" to be incredibly disappointing. The storyline lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The dialogue was often cliché and the pacing was all over the place. I was expecting a thrilling and suspenseful tale about witches in Salem, but instead, I got a dull and unoriginal read. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping witch-themed story.
2. Emily - 2 stars
"Place of Residence Witch Salem" left me feeling underwhelmed. While the concept of witches in Salem intrigued me, the execution fell flat. The writing style was simplistic and repetitive, making it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The characters lacked development and their actions often felt forced. Overall, I was left wanting more from this book and found it to be a forgettable read.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars
I had high expectations for "Place of Residence Witch Salem," but unfortunately, it did not live up to them. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, and the pacing was uneven. The protagonist's constant inner monologues became tedious and hindered the flow of the story. Additionally, the attempts at suspense and mystery were too predictable, leaving little room for true surprise. While the idea of a witch-themed story set in Salem had potential, this book fell short in delivering an engaging and captivating read.