Salem Witch Trial Hanging Site Confirmed-- Part 2

Twenty people suspected of witchcraft were killed in Salem in 1692 during a frenzy stoked by superstition, fear of disease and strangers and petty jealousies.

Nineteen were hanged and one was crushed to death by rocks.

The top of nearby Gallows Hill had long been thought to be the site of the hangings, but there was no evidence to support that.  Proctor's Ledge is at the base of Gallows Hill.

The investigation team also determined that there was probably never a gallows at the site.  More than likely a rope was tossed over a tree branch.

Also, it is not likely that none of them were buried at Proctor's Ledge as it is too rocky and there is only shallow soil.

--DaCoot

Salem Witch Trial Hanging Site Confirmed-- Part 1

From the January 17, 2016, Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel "Researchers Confirm site of hangings for Salem witch trials" by Mark Pratt and Rodrique Ngowi, AP.

19 innocent people were slain there during 1692 hysteria.

Salem, Massachusetts.

A team of researchers using historical documents and 21st century archaeological techniques has confirmed the exact spot where 19 innocent people were hanged during the Salem Witch trials.

The site is known as  Proctor's Ledge and is in a small, city-owned plot of woods between two residential streets and behind a Walgreens pharmacy.

Historian Sidney Perley had determined Proctor's Ledge as the site nearly a century ago by using historical documents, but his findings were lost to time.

The current research, known as the Gallows Hill project set out to locate the site for sure.

--Cooter