Witches

The Witches Hanged in Salem

Colonial Salem Massachusetts accused more than 200 people, including children, of witchcraft in 1692 and 1693. The witchcraft craze and hysteria started in Europe. The belief behind this witchcraft paranoia was at the basis of religion. With many people believing that the devil was able to give certain people, mainly women, the ability to harm others in thanks to their loyalty. Through this tens of thousands of people were executed based on their so-called witchcraft. 20 of those executions taking place in Salem.

What kicked off the hysteria in Salem specifically was the conviction of Good, Osborne, and Tituba. Good and Osborne claimed innocence while Tituba confessed saying, “The Devil came to me and bid me serve him.” All three women were imprisoned. Several accusations followed in the months after this. Including the daughter of Sara Good, Dorcas Good who was only 5 years old when she was imprisoned for witchcraft.

The governor at the time called for there to be an establishment of a special court to handle the witchcraft convictions. Bridget Bishop’s case was the first one to be brought to this court. She was an older woman that was known to spread gossip and be promiscuous. When she was asked if she committed witchcraft she stated, "I am as innocent as the child unborn." Sadly this statement wasn’t convincing enough and she was found guilty. This led to her being the first person hanged at Gallows Hill.

Only after many pleas and his own wife being accused did governor Phillps dissolve the court and release the prisoners. But 20 people had already been executed and many died in jail. The damage had already been done. Massachuetes only formally apologized for the events in 1957, 250 years later.