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The Ghosts of Salem

The Witch Trials of the late 1600’s has left an everlasting paranormal mark on Salem, Massachusetts.

By Erin EgnatzPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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The Ghosts of Salem

Salem Massachusetts has long been known for the witch trials that occurred back in the 1600's. This was a deeply religious area with Puritan values, meaning that anyone suspected of witchcraft was basically consorting with evil. This meant the punishments were often harsh, if not deadly.

Citizens ganged up on each other as accusations were thrown about. Accusing someone of witchcraft became a way for citizens to rid themselves of competition or someone they just did not like, whether that person was actually practicing witchcraft or not.

The trials began in 1693 when over 20 citizens who were accused of being witches during the trials were tortured and most of them killed. While most people think that these people were burnt at the stake, the reality is that most were sentenced to death by hanging… though for one, the death sentence was even worse.

Giles Corey was that unfortunate citizen. He was tortured for days, as those who accused him said he was guilty of being a dark warlock. His torture included a slow death by pressing. After his death, the citizens of Salem still were not done with the poor man and so they threw him in an unmarked grave in what is now known as Howard Street Cemetery.

Not long after his death, the apparition of Giles was said to have been seen near where he was buried. It is said that as he was being tortured to death, he cursed the sheriff specifically, and ever since then, anyone thought to be a sheriff is targeted by Giles' ghost. His spirit is said to be understandably angry with how he met his end and is looking to get his revenge on all of those who wronged him.

Other ghostly activity at the Howard Street Cemetery includes disembodied voices, shadow figures, strange mists, and orbs. It's not known who these other spirits are, but it could be some of the other victims of the Salem Witch Trials who are also in the cemetery. Or they can be any of the 1,100 other souls buried there.

Howard Street Cemetery is not the only location with paranormal activity in Salem. The most famous and commonly known spot said to be haunted is the house that was originally owned by one of the judges who sentenced citizens to their deaths during the trials. It is now known as The Witch House. It was originally the Corwin House, named after the previously mentioned judge. Today it is a museum spotlighting a dark time in history. Paranormal happenings at The Witch House include apparitions, disembodied voices, orbs and strange figures in photographs.

Another haunted location in Salem is the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It's from the early to mid-1600's and the final resting place of many of Salem's former residents. One notorious former resident who is buried in the cemetery is "Hanging Joe," the head of judges during the Salem Witch Trials. He was not a nice man. His legacy is marred by his handling of the trials. It is said that he still haunts the cemetery. Orbs, apparitions and other strange occurrences have been reported right next to his final resting place.

Salem is a unique part of America's history, not to mention that the area is a popular tourist spot. Visiting the area is like experiencing Halloween year-round. It is one of my favorite towns to visit for its history, its culture, and of course, its paranormal activity. If you are ever in Salem, be sure to check out some of the spots on this list. Let me know if you have ever been to any Salem’s most haunted hotspots, I would love to hear your experiences!

urban legend
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About the Creator

Erin Egnatz

Erin Egnatz is an author & paranormal investigator. She has been fortunate enough to work with some of the best in the paranormal business. She has been featured in Newsweek for her ghostly travels. Follow her on FB, Instagram, & YouTube.

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