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10 Fascinating Facts About the Salem Witch House in Massachusetts
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The Witch House in Salem, MA, attracts thousands of visitors every year, but its history is a lot more dark and complicated than meets the eye. The house is the only remaining structure that you can visit in Salem that has direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a local magistrate and civic leader who investigated the claims of witchcraft in town. He served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately led to the execution of 19 people for their “crimes,” despite all 19 maintaining their innocence.
The house, which is located at 310 Essex Street, was purchased by Corwin in 1675. He lived there for nearly 40 years and it remained in his family until the mid-1800s. Because of its lasting impact on history, many museums around Salem have put together specialized overviews of the house, including the Salem Witch Museum, the Salem City Guide, and The Witch House. You can also check out photos from inside the house from people who have previously visited.
Whether you want to visit the famous spot on Halloween or learn more about the Salem witch trials, keep reading for 10 facts about the infamous witch house.
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A Book Was Written About the House
The book Death in Salem: The Private Lives Behind the 1692 Witch Hunt was written about the use of the house for pretrials. Written by Diane Foulds, the story follows the Salem witch trials from a personal perspective. Each chapter is divided by stories told from the accusers, victims, judges, and citizens of Salem. Judge Corwin’s chapter entails the pretrials that took place in the Witch House, which led to the deaths of 19 people.
Everett Collection / Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
It Inspired the Sanderson Sister House in Hocus Pocus
While the Salem Witch House doesn’t make an appearance in Hocus Pocus despite the movie being filmed and based in Salem and involving witches, the house is located on the same block as Allison’s mansion. It also most likely inspired the look of the Sanderson sisters’ cottage (peep the similar looking windows and all-around eeriness).
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There's a Free Online Tour
The Salem Witch Museum allows you to explore the Witch House as well as the city of Salem. The online tool provides information about the history of each location as well as photos and allows anyone across the world to explore Massachusetts through the touch of a button.