Salem, Massachusetts, is famous for a dark past linked to the 1692 witch trials, when more than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft, and 20 were executed. Today, it draws over one million visitors annually to this small town, most of whom have been attracted by its ignominious past.
Some of the popular activities that take place here include the witch tours and several others through which tragic events and mysterious history can be learned. On these tours, you walk through the streets where the trials took place, visit haunted sites, and even listen to tales of mass hysteria that changed the town forever. Here is what to expect on a Salem witch tour.
Walking Through Historical Sites
On Salem witch city tours, you will visit key historical landmarks related to the trials. These tours often include:
- The Witch House: The residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the primary judges in the witch trials.
- Old Burying Point Cemetery: One of the oldest cemeteries in America and the burial site for many related to the trials.
- Proctor’s Ledge: The site where 19 people were hanged for witchcraft.
Tours generally last 1-2 hours, and the walks are approximately a mile.
Visit the Most Haunted Sites
Salem is considered one of America’s most haunted towns. Most witch tours bring you to the many haunted sites of the city, where incidents of paranormal activity have been found. Such sites usually include the Joshua Ward House, known for ghost sightings. It will be a thrilling experience for you and your loved ones to participate in this tour.
Educational Experience About the Witch Trials
The history of the Salem witch trials is generally dealt with quite thoroughly. Most guides tell in-depth stories about how the claims were started, the fear and superstitions, and the court trials. The key takeaways are:
- Witch hunts were fueled by bizarre behavior among a group of adolescent girls.
- Women accused men of having sexually assaulted them, and they stated seeing ghosts in what was referred to as ‘spectral evidence.’
- Both the court and the state have since stepped forward to apologize for the events.
What can you expect from different types of tours?
In general, the Salem witch city tours are diverse and different from each other. However, it purely depends on the provider and the kind of experience you want to have. Here’s a rundown of the different options:
- Walking Tours: These tend to be the most common. They guide you through the historical landmarks and haunted spots on foot.
- Night Tours: These will take you through the city in the nighttime, leading to a spookier experience. Usually, they touch on more ghost stories.
- Museum Tours: Some tours are inside museums such as the Salem Witch Museum and consist of viewing exhibits and artifacts.
Conclusion
A Witch tour is a thrilling activity in which one gets an opportunity to explore one of America’s most scandalous stories. It will be quite a tour, during which you will see the most significant landmarks of the city and possibly meet the supernatural. Whether you are a history lover or simply an enthusiastic parapsychologist, a witch tour in Salem can become a memory to remember.
