The Salem witch hanging memorial is a commemorative site located in Salem, Massachusetts, dedicated to remembering the victims of the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. The trials were a dark period in American history, characterized by mass hysteria and the wrongful persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft. The memorial serves as a somber reminder of this tragic chapter, honoring the 20 people who were executed by hanging during the trials. It was designed by architect James Cutler and incorporates various elements to create a powerful and reflective space. The memorial features a stone wall with memorial plaques, each bearing the name of one of the victims. This wall is meant to symbolize the divide between the accused and their accusers, emphasizing the injustice and division that occurred during this time.

Actual Site Of Salem Witch Hangings Discovered

SALEM (CBS) - After nearly three centuries of conflicting beliefs, the city of Salem confirms a team of scholars verified the site where 19 innocent people were hanged during the 1692 witch trials as Proctor's Ledge. The historic site is an area located in between Proctor and Pope Streets in Salem, Massachusetts.

"We are happy to be able to bring years of debate to an end," Salem State University Professor Emerson Baker told the city of Salem. "Our analysis draws upon multiple lines of research to confirm the location of the executions."

City reps confirm to WBZ that a team of researchers used sonar technology combined with eyewitness testimonies from centuries-old documents dating back to the Salem Witch Trials.

The city of Salem acquired the strip of land near the base of Gallows Hill in 1936 "to be held forever as a public park" and called it "Witch Memorial Land." As it was never marked, most people erroneously assumed the executions took place on the hill's summit.

A group of researchers on the Salem witch trials called The Gallows Hill Project team, now identifies the site as a rocky ledge much closer to Boston Street, at the base of the hill, basing its conclusions on the early 20th century research of historian Sidney Perley, an eye-witness reference to an execution from the trial papers, maps from different periods, and newer technology not available previously.

Proctor's Ledge in Salem (WBZ-TV)

"It's a mix of emotions, confirmation and knowing the history is important but it definitely feels like something we make sure it's something we honor. I think we are continually wanting to see ourselves as wanting to make up for what happened there," said Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. "It's a pivotal part of American history. It's informed our modern day judicial undertakings."

Thomas Brophy grew up and lives next to the witch trial hangings site. "The family always said that they figured that this was the area but there was never a concrete proof until now," said Brophy. "It was a very sad time for the city of Salem and it's a shame that this happened but it did happen, it is history and I think we're dealing with it in the right way with trying to memorialize those that passed away," he added.

Members of the Gallows Hill Project Team include Salem State University Professor of History Emerson Baker, Salem Award Foundation Chair Shelby Hypes, Director, the city of Salem's Corwin House (The Witch House) Elizabeth Peterson, Salem Witch Trials: Examine the Evidence Producer and Director Tom Phillips, University of Virginia Professor of Religion Benjamin Ray, Salem Witch Trials Historian and Author Marilynne Roach, and Salem State University Emeritus Professor of Geology Peter Sablock.

"It would be nice now to be able to show them the site with a plaque and with something to be able to take a picture of," explained Brophy.

"It's definitely a dark part of our history, an infamous time in Salem when people turned onto each other. I think we learned a lot of lessons and we've worked hard to overcome what happened in 1692," said Mayor Driscoll.

Proctor’s Ledge Memorial

Proctor’s Ledge Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the 19 people who were hanged during the Salem Witch Trials in Salem, Mass. The memorial is at the base of Proctor’s Ledge, which is the location were the executions took place during the trials.

The memorial consists of a semi-circular granite wall with 19 stones engraved with the names and execution dates of the nineteen victims. A small oak tree, which symbolizes endurance and dignity, marks the center of the memorial.

The victims honored at the memorial are:

Another victim, Giles Corey, is not listed at the memorial because he wasn’t hanged at the site due to the fact that he was instead pressed to death, while being tortured by Sheriff Corwin, in a field on Howard Street, which is now the Howard Street Cemetery.

This wall is meant to symbolize the divide between the accused and their accusers, emphasizing the injustice and division that occurred during this time. In the center of the memorial stands a tall granite monument, upon which are engraved the names of those who were convicted and executed. Surrounding this monument are benches for visitors to sit and reflect upon the events that took place in Salem over three centuries ago.

Who Designed the Proctor’s Ledge Memorial?

The design of the memorial was developed by landscape architect Martha Lyon, after she held a series of public hearings and meetings with the area’s residents for their feedback.

The memorial, as well as improvements to the streets and the land itself, were funded primarily through a $174,000 Community Preservation Act grant, as well as through donations, many from descendants of those executed at the site.

The design of the memorial also includes a pathway leading towards the nearby Old Burying Point Cemetery, where some of the accused were buried. This pathway serves as a physical connection between the memorial site and the final resting place of those wrongly accused and executed. Overall, the Salem witch hanging memorial provides a place for visitors to contemplate the dark history of the witch trials and the lessons that can be learned from this tragic event. By memorializing the victims and highlighting the injustices of the past, the site serves as a reminder to uphold justice and fairness in society today..

Reviews for "The Salem Witch Hanging Memorial: A Site of Remembrance and Education"

1. Samantha - 2 stars - While I appreciate the historical significance of the Salem witch trials, I found the Salem witch hanging memorial to be quite underwhelming. The memorial lacked sufficient information and context about the trials, leaving visitors with more questions than answers. Additionally, the design of the memorial felt sterile and impersonal, failing to capture the emotional weight and tragedy of the events that took place. Overall, I was disappointed by the memorial and left wanting a more engaging and informative experience.

2. James - 1 star - I expected the Salem witch hanging memorial to be a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the witch trials, but I was sorely disappointed. The memorial felt detached and failed to effectively convey the gravity of the atrocities that occurred. The lack of interactive exhibits or detailed information made it difficult to fully understand the context and significance of the trials. Furthermore, the memorial did not provide any new insights or perspectives on the events, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and uneducated. I would not recommend visiting the Salem witch hanging memorial.

3. Laura - 2 stars - The Salem witch hanging memorial felt like a missed opportunity to educate and engage visitors about one of the most tragic events in American history. The lack of signage or explanations made it difficult to fully comprehend the scale and impact of the witch trials. The memorial also lacked any personal stories or testimonials, failing to humanize the victims and make their stories resonate. Overall, I left the memorial feeling disappointed and wanting a more immersive and educational experience.

Reflecting on Injustice: Visiting the Salem Witch Hanging Memorial