Salem Witch Trials (1692-1693)

Key Events and Figures

• Location: Salem Village, Massachusetts
• Timeframe: February 1692 - early 1693
• Initial Incidents:
  • Betty Parris (9 years old) and Abigail Williams (11 years old)
    • Daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris
    • Became ill, exhibiting constant fits
    • Diagnosed with "bewitchment" by Dr. William Griggs

Spread of Hysteria

• Other young women began showing similar symptoms
• A wave of hysteria spread across colonial Massachusetts
• Special court assembled in Salem to address accusations

Key Accusations

• First Accused and Arrested:
  • Sarah Good
  • Sarah Osborne
  • Tituba
  • Accused of bewitching Betty Parris and Abigail Williams
• Weekly increase in accusations and arrests

Contributing Factors

• Belief in the supernatural and witches with harmful powers
• Recent smallpox epidemic
• Threat of Native American attacks

Trials and Punishments

• Bridget Bishop:
  • First convicted witch
  • Wore black clothing and odd costumes (against Puritan code)
  • Executed by hanging on June 10th, 1692, at Gallows Hill
• Execution Statistics:
  • 18 more people hanged after conviction
  • Several died in prison
  • One man crushed to death by stones (torture)
  • Contrary to popular belief, no burnings at the stake
• Total Accusations:
  • 150 more people accused

End of the Trials

• By September 1692, hysteria declined
• Public sentiment turned against the trials
• Final trials concluded in early 1693

Other Notes

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