House & History
Salem, Massachusetts. Since 1692, this coastal town on the north shore of Boston has made a name for being associated with one of the most infamous periods of America’s haunted history. The Salem Witch Trials saw over 200 people accused and prosecuted for witchcraft. Many people were jailed and lost their homes, some died in prison awaiting release from an unjust manhunt, and 19 people were executed, hung from the gallows.
As you walk through the town once associated with paranoia and fear, one building stands alone as the only structure to survive all these centuries. It’s the house of a wealthy merchant and witch trial judge, Jonathan Corwin, but many people simply call it the Witch House. The site of preliminary hearings, the walls of this historic reminder hold the truth behind the accused, the tried, and the condemned. Similar to other historic haunts, like the Lizzie Borden House and Villisca Axe Murder House, a traumatic history fuels belief that the Witch House is haunted.
It all depends on who you ask.
History of the Witch House on Essex Street
University History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Images via History
Jonathan Corwin bought the house in 1675 after its previous owner left it unfinished. Corwin was determined to settle into the home and worked tirelessly to complete his project. An active member of the community, he was seen as a successful businessman and merchant, as well as a public servant, holding important roles, most notably judicial ones. It was his experience as a judge that would land him at the center of the infamous trials and decide the fate of many people that stood before him. But it was his house that became his court and now bears the simple but haunting title of the Witch House.
Is the Witch House at Salem Actually Haunted?
Salem Haunted Adventures
Both visitors and staff have reported experiences that lend to the possibility of the Witch House being haunted. Unexplained noises, like footsteps, whispers, and objects moving on their own, are the most common occurrences. People also report cold spots and feelings of dread and anxiety while in the house. Some even claim to feel as though they’re being watched.
Visitors also report hearing both male and female voices, as well as that of a young girl, even when there’s no evidence of anyone in the room. Distressed or agitated looking apparitions also appear, but can you blame them? If you were accused of being a witch, wouldn’t you be at least a little PO’d? Whether these spirits are those of the accused or of Judge Corwin himself remains unclear.
Skeptics point to the fact that it’s an old house and that many people come and go everyday. Creaky floors and drafts don’t necessarily mean the place is haunted. As for the apparition sightings, skeptics are quick to draw on the influence and allure of the home, blaming perception for the paranormal visions.
Given what happened in the Witch House all those centuries ago, you can’t help but wonder who or what remains trapped within its walls. It may take the right ghost hunting gear to nail down exactly who’s still around.
The Witch House at Salem: Tickets, Tours & More
Eat Life
The Witch House now serves as a museum, preserving not only the history of Salem, but also a defining moment for justice in America. Whether that justice was fair is another argument, but what happened in Salem was a case study for groupthink and paranoia. If you find yourself in Salem, tickets and tours are available. Visiting in October is a popular time, and although it may be crowded, it’s an experience that you’ll certainly never forget.