1692 Before and After Historical Walking Tours created this blog to share with you the history and stories of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.
Salem, Massachusetts, was established in 1626 by Roger Conant and became one of the most notable seaports for trade in early American history. The city is best known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials that occurred in 1692 when 20 innocent lives were taken. Over the course of a year, between 150-200 people were accused of bewitching residents. Of those accused, 20 were killed. During court proceedings, the afflicted claimed to have seen the apparition of the accused, who would come torture them and get them to sign the devil’s book. This was known as Spectral evidence and would be the only evidence given against the accused. By the end of 1692, 19 people were hanged, and one man was pressed to death. Governor Phips stepped in and ended the use of Spectral evidence. The remaining cases would end in acquittals.
Explore what caused the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Read the life stories of the accused victims. Learn who the Judges were and why they allowed Spectral evidence. Explore the theories of what caused the Afflicted girls to act up and how they were diagnosed as Under the Devil’s Hand. Finally, learn how the Witch Trials ended and their effects on our nation after.
Take a journey through 400 years of history with a local historian and real-life Witch as your guide. Uncover the secrets of witch city as we dive deep into the events surrounding the 1692 Salem Witch Trial.
This 2-hour walking tour is the most comprehensive tour on the Witch Trials in Salem, Ma.
As you walk through Salem to visit historical sites, you will hear a jaw-dropping story covering Salem before the trials, what caused the witch hysteria, who were the judges and accusers, how residents responded to the accusations, who were the 20 victims, and how it all ended.
Come see why our tour is loved by locals and tourists alike!
History Salem ma
George Burroughs was a minister in Wells Main who was accused of being a witch in 1692. Early Life George was born in Suffolk, England,
Whether you grew up in Massachusetts or are here on vacation, you most likely know about this city’s rich history. But is your knowledge fact
Bridget Bishop was the first victim to be tried and hanged for Witchcraft during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Early Life Born in Norwich, England
Giles Corey was a Farmer from Salem Farms who was accused of Witchcraft in 1692. Early Life Born in Northampton, England, in 1621, Giles married
William Stoughton was the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and the Chief Magistrate during the Salem Witch Trials. Early Life William Stoughton was born in 1631
John Proctor was a wealthy businessman who stayed out of politics and ran a Tavern and Farm on Ipswich Road. He was an outspoken critic
Jeff is a local historian, Photographer, and real-life Witch. He has spent decades researching the history of Salem and giving tours to family, friends, and tourists. He is the Co-Owner and Creator of 1692 Before and After Historical Walking Tours in Salem, Ma.
Lori is Jeff’s sister and Co-Owner of 1692 Before and After. She is a part-time web designer and content writer.
