History of the Salem Witch Trials

Salem is Founded

Jan 1, 1629

Witchcraft Illegal

Jan 1, 1641

The Church of England declares witchcraft as illegal under English law.

Goody Glover Convicted as a Witch

Jan 1, 1688

This was a very important event in the history of the Salem Witch Trials because it is the first account of a witch being convicted and killed in Salem.

Parris Moves to Salem, Becomes Minister

Nov 15, 1689

Members of Salem Village hated him and vowed to drive him out of Salem because he was so wealthy.

Abigail Williams and Others Girls Start Acting Strangely

Jan 20, 1692

A sudden outbreak of girls acting very strangely causes doctors in Salem to suspect that Witchcraft was involved

Tituba, Sarah Osbourne, and Sarah Goode Supected of Witchcraft

Feb 29, 1692

Tituba confesses to the crime and is not killed, first time witches were checked for "witches teats". More than 15 more witches to be killed in the next year.

Giles Corey Convicted

Sep 15, 1692

First and only man to be convicted of witchcraft and hanged.

Spectral Evidence No Longer Valid

Oct 8, 1692

Governor Phipps declares that spectral evidence cannot be used in court. New court formed to try remaining witches.

49 of 52 Suspected Witches Freed

Jan 5, 1693

Because their arrests were based on spectral evidence, they were freed.

Day of Sorrow in Salem

Jan 14, 1697

Court Orders a day of fasting and soul-searching for horrible events that occured in Salem

Ann Putnam Apologizes

Jul 30, 1706

Ann Putnam is the only person to ever apologize for her accusations in Salem.

Massachusetts Apologizes

Jun 27, 1957

Massachusetts frmally apologizes for the vents that occured in Salem MA in 1692