Salem Witch Trials - March 1, 1692
In Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, many people believed in and feared witchcraft. Consequently, when
two young girls fell into trances and had seizures that doctors could not explain, many people in the
town said witchcraft was to blame. On March 1, 1692, authorities charged three women, Sarah Goode,
Sarah Osborne, and a slave woman named Tituba, with practicing witchcraft.
Nearly 150 men and women filled prisons from Salem and surrounding towns. These prisoners were
alleged, or charged without proof, of practicing witchcraft. Many of them died in prison, some were
hanged, and one was crushed to death. During this time, many people believed in witches and were
quick to believe when someone was accused of witchcraft. A recent epidemic of small pox, threats of
Indian attacks, and small town rivalries lead to this panic. This kind of group panic is sometimes called
"mass hysteria." Governor William Phips of Massachusetts put an end to the witch trials on October 29,
1692.
Courtesy Legends of America – www.LegendsOfAmerica.com