The Witch House In Massachusetts Belonged To A Witch Trials Judge

The Salem Witch Trials was one of American history’s great infamies. In 1692, several young girls began having fits and screaming outbursts and were thought to have become possessed by the devil. They pointed the finger of blame at some of the women in town. It was believed that these women practiced witchcraft, the Devil’s magic, and had caused the girls to become bewitched. And so, the biggest witch hunt in our history began.

Mass hysteria started to infiltrate the lives of those living in the colony of Massachusetts and between February 1692 and May 1683, 20 people were executed for witchcraft while five others died in jail. Among the judges of the trial was Judge Jonathan Corwin who had purchased a house in town. His house, now known as “The Witch House,” is the only remaining structure associated with the witch trials that can be visited today.

Jonathan Corwin (1640-1718) was a wealthy merchant who purchased this house in 1675. Along with his good friend John Hawthorne, he became an appointed judge of the witch trials in 1692. The first of the accused witches facing judgment was a Caribbean slave by the name of Tituba, Sarah Goode who was homeless, and the elderly Sarah Osborne.

Judge Corwin and Judge Hawthorne questioned and examined the accused. It is believed that some of the examinations occurred in Corwin's home, although there is no evidence to support that theory. After their questioning, these men determined that the women were, in fact, witches.

As hysteria spread, so did the accusations. In all, over 200 people were accused of witchcraft, 20 of which were sentenced to death while five died in jail.

Located on the corner of Essex and North Street, The Jonathan Corwin House, also known as "The Witch House," is the only still-standing structure associated with The Witch Trials that's open to the public.

Visitors are invited to explore the 17th-century house which has been turned into a museum with displays and artifacts from the time period.

Learn about and gain some insight into the time period as well as the Corwin family, Jonathan Corwin's role as a judge during the witch trials, and the beliefs of the colonists during this time.

Take a self-guided or guided tour of this home where you'll see numerous artifacts. It's a fascinating look into life in the 17th century.

Are you fascinated by the history of the Salem Witch Trials? Have you visited the Jonathan Corwin House, a.k.a. “The Witch House?” If so, share your thoughts in the comments. For more information and to plan your visit, head to The Witch House website and follow the Facebook page.

If you love visiting haunted locations, Salem, Massachusetts is the place for you! Learn about some of the paranormal activity that occurs in the town in this article.

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310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

Visit The Witch House, One Of The Last Remaining Structures Associated With The Witch Trials In Massachusetts

Melissa Mahoney

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