The location of the Salem Witch Trials in the early 1690’s, the town of Salem, Massachusetts soon became well known throughout the world. Because of this court case, the city has become a popular tourist destination, especially for those who are in search of some haunting fun. There’s even a Salem Witch Museum, where visitors can check out exhibits and learn more about what happened when a group of people were accused of witchcraft in Colonial Massachusetts, stirring major things up in the New England city.
With such a rich history, it’s no wonder so many have traveled into Salem to check out what it offers, continuing to do so each day. Located on the North Coast of Massachusetts, Salem is right above the city of Boston and has numerous landmarks, including the Witch House, the former home of a trial judge, the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of the Seven Gables – just to name a few!
If you’re interested in taking a paranormal road trip, Salem is the perfect place to head. Check out these said-to-be haunted destinations that call the city of Salem home and learn about what or who is believed to lurk inside some of its buildings!
Photo by Jennifer Boyer, via Flickr
The Witch House/Jonathan Corwin House
Once the home of trial Judge, Jonathan Corwin, it is especially known for being one of the only structures still standing in Salem that had direct ties with the Salem Witch Trials. Corwin investigated the claims of witchcraft, which ended up resulting in sending a number of innocent people to death. Featured on an episode of Ghost Adventures, the home now operates as a museum that is said to be a hot spot for paranormal activity. Occurrences here include cold breezes, equipment malfunctions, a child’s voice and even a touch on the arm.
Photo by Henry Zbyszynski, via Flickr
Hawthorne Hotel
This hotel sits inside a brick building that dates back to 1925, and is in close quarters to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The upscale hotel features elegant fine-dining, and according to various reports, some ghostly spirits as well! The sixth floor of the hotel is said to be especially haunted, and stories say a murder took place there. The elevator is another hot spot in the building that is said to have some eerie activity. Cold spots and swaying chandeliers are among the creepy occurrences here.
Photo by Fletcher6, via WikiCommons
Salem State University
This public university was established in 1854 as the Salem Normal School and is said to be haunted by a number of spirits. Bowditch Hall is a popular location for paranormal activity, especially in Room #222, where reports of the bed violently shaking have occurred, along with loud banging noises that can only be heard inside the room. Another case includes two girls who were said to be electrocuted in the Gramley Library, and a third is of a young girl who died in the elevator shaft inside Clewell Hall. Babcock Hall is also believed to have a haunted photo.
Photo by Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast, via Facebook
Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast
This bed and breakfast is located inside a building that dates back to 1808. Located in the heart of Salem, it is just a few minutes from a number of fun locations, including the House of the Seven Gables, the Friendship of Salem Ship and Salem Common. A young woman’s ghost and the spirits of young children are rumored to haunt the building. The ghostly woman has reportedly been seen wearing turn-of-the-century clothing.
Photo by Swampyank, via WikiCommons
Joshua Ward House
Dating back to 1784, this three-story Federal style home is located on Washington Street and was one of the first brick homes in all of Salem. The historic house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and is said to be haunted by by two ghostly men who were associated with the Salem Witch Trials – Sheriff George Corwin, also known as “The Strangler,” and Giles Cory. A female entity has also been spotted inside the home.
Photo by Jenn Mau, via Flickr
House of the Seven Gables
The inspiration behind Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 Gothic novel, The House of the Seven Gables, this New England mansion was built in 1668 by a Salem sea captain and merchant. It now operates as a non-profit museum that offers tours and programs – and is also said to offer some ghostly greetings as well! The home is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Susan Ingersoll, who has been spotted roaming the halls and looking out the windows. A boy’s spirit is also said to linger the attic area and has been heard playing with his toys and running around the attic.
Photo by David Moisan, via Flickr
Old Salem Jail
Although this old jail has been transformed into a luxury apartment building, according to Corrections.com, it was once the oldest operating correctional facility and residence in America. It dates back to 1813 and was closed down in 1991, moving its inmates to a new correctional facility near Middleton. Giles Corey, mentioned above as one of the spirits who haunts the Joshua Ward House, was “pressed” to death in the field right across from the jail.
Photo by Dex, via Flickr
Salem Witch Trial Memorial
The victims of the Salem Witch Trials are honored in this quiet park. It’s a place where many go to remember the lives lost and was dedicated by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel in August, 1992 as part of the Salem Witch Trial Tercentenary. The design itself was inspired by the Vietnam Memorial and consists of 20 granite benches and a stone wall that surrounds an area adjoining the Old Burying Point.
Photo by Kent Kanouse, via Flickr
Old Burying Point Cemetery
Established in 1637, this cemetery is located on Charter Street, right near the Salem Witch Trial Memorial and is the oldest burying ground in Salem. Nathaniel Hawthorne is buried at this cemetery, along with one of the judges in the Witchcraft Court. A plaque is located at the entrance of the cemetery, featuring the famous names of those who are buried there.
Interested in reading about some other haunted New England spots? Click here!
Main Photo Image: Rusty Clark, via Flickr
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