Humans are ghoulish creatures, and I have to admit, I’m no exception. We’re attracted to sites of tragedy, and for some even, the tragedy itself. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, it just appears to be something we’re hardwired to be interested in.
One of the great debates over Salem has been where the gallows stood, upon which 19 unfortunates were hung in 1692 on the charge of witchcraft. As if the hangings weren’t macabre enough, you have to add to the picture that the victims were innocent. Compound it again by the outright malice that the townspeople likely showed them in their final moments – people who had once been friends and neighbors, and you have a truly horrible scene.
A lot of ink has been shed debating the actual site of the hangings, and tradition has it at the top of the hill at Gallows Park, yet there is no evidence to definitively prove it one way or another. A more recent school of thought has the site on Proctor’s Ridge, a smaller hill at the foot of Gallows Hill. Gallows Hill is rather steep, and it is recorded that the condemned were taken to the place of execution by cart. And certainly, no cart could have made the final ascent to the top. And as several of the condemned were elderly and infirm, it’s unlikely that they could have walked it either.
Proctor’s Ledge is along the same route as Gallow’s Hill, and not so steep that a cart couldn’t easily reach the top. We’re also told that Cotton Mathers rode his horse to the gallows, a feat nearly impossible on Gallows Hill but easily managed on Proctor’s Ledge.
As is so often the case with history, as tradition seemed to have solved the problem, the actual site can be soon forgotten. Today, Proctor’s Ledge is lined with houses all along Proctor’s Lane, the street which runs along its summit. I drove down Proctor’s Street, and found it very unremarkable, and found myself disappointed in the lack of photo opportunities. And I soon tired of the whole bloody business, so feeling a bit too morbid I gave up and decided to try again some other time perhaps.
The following day, on my way out of town towards Newbury, I found myself passing the turn which led to Proctor’s Ledge, and as I passed a Walgreens Drug Store, I realized had found it. It’s ironic that the best view of such an infamous place can be had from so bland a location. But there you have Salem in a nutshell. Much of its history is buried or best left forgotten. What draws people to Salem isn’t necessarily the reality, but the myth.
I’m the direct grandchild of Edward Bishop of Salem and I feel insulted by being put in a tourists group to see my family’s graves. I’m the DNA direct grandchild of Edward Bishop of Salem I don’t branch off I’m the direct grandchild and I feel insulted by being put in a tourists group. The first one to hang was his wife then his son and daughter in law were taken from him and it’s insulting to see my family’s graves in a tourists group. I’m the DNA direct grandchild of Edward Bishop of Salem his real baby. I have to go to see my family’s graves in a tourists group didn’t my family’s murders make Salem wealthy and popular enough. I want my family members privately.
You’re right to be pissed. I find it disturbing as well how Salem capitalizes on its past, when in reality, what happened there was a horror. There are good things and bad things about Salem, and there are attempts to somehow make right what happened there. But what I felt there as much as anything else, is an attempt to capitalize on the gruesome aspect of the story for financial gain. So I’m with you. Thanks for giving your opinion.
Angela, terrible. Short of changing places with Edward Bishop, I cannot imagine anything worse.
Without the terror and without the industry capitalizing on it, it’s 100% unlikely you’d ever have cared to visit a grave from nearly 400 years of ancestors, and mostly if such a notion took you, to have ever found it. Have you visited ANY other ancestors from 200-500 years ago?
Drop the whole “I’m offended” and get a grip.
Go at midnight. Maybe the 100, 000 plus that are direct descendants will be there, too.
Sarah Averil Wildes is my eighth great grandmother. She was hung as a witch July 19, 1692. I traveled to Essex County and stayed in Danvers to learn more family history. Salem Village (now Danvers) has been responsible to build and maintain a beautiful memorial to those who lost their lives in this travesty of injustice. The time period had no valid education as we have today to know what we know. Sisters Rebecca Nurse and Mary Eastey are also my aunts and were executed in 1692. The shame I see in it all is that the state capitol of Massachusetts, Salem, is enjoying profit and promoted propaganda on the Salem Witch Hunt which technically took place at Salem Village. I was saddened as I walked through my family’s history but rejoiced to know that another memorial had been placed in Salem for the executed.
Our rich New England history needs to be known and celebrated. The accused also had family that went on to do great things to shape our nation; to help guide it to grow. Instead of outrage, let us learn all the history we can and continue the legacy of our ancestors.
Boston is the State capital…
And there is so much MORE celebrated and promoted in Salem than the atrocities of the witch hunt…
Salem was a key port for trade with East India and Asia, and very important in nations Naval History…
So don’t think that Salem is Capitalizing on the infamy of the witch trials…you can’t change history, and time has shown you can’t bury it either.
A majority of the tourists that come and visit Salem do so for its rich history in the Nations development, that is why there are “national tourism” sites and parks, and State tourism sites…
You all make it sound as if Salem makes its money on the death of innocent victims of the witch trials…It is a very important city in this Nations history…so get over it.
I absolutely agree. Salem is a fascinating city, with an important history. Which is why I’ve also written on that, and photographed that side of it as well. But it’s hard to deny that they also capitalize on the witch hunts, not just in ways that relate the history and the lessons to be learned from it, not only as a center of modern day witchcraft, but also in ways that look to sensationalize the tragedy there. I do have a problem with this last group of businesses and people, correct. But I also recognize this is America in the 21st century. I can accept that, I can accept we’ve lowered ourselves to the point where these people do make a quick buck, but I cannot and will not, simply get over it. This site is for those who still like to think for themselves, and draw their own conclusions based on facts, not fantasies. We don’t need hit over the head with a broomstick to know the difference. Have a nice day!
I have always been drawn to Salem…As I drive in Through Marblehead, I feel the energy…As if I’m Home…I grew up in Chelsea, which privileged me the comfort of visiting Salem daily if I desired…My daughters fell in love with Salem also…I’m Psychic..Empathetic…Spiritualist Medium…Paranormal Investigator…My daughters follow in my footsteps…We have photos of Rebecca Nurse walking towards us…They were taking during the anniversary of her passing…we can not change the past & yes its heart wrenching…I’m Native American & can tell you stories on the horrendous treatments done towards my great grandparents…Each & every time I go to Salem they’re walking besides me…I pray that anyone that is a directly related finds inner peace.
It was officially confirmed today that Proctor’s Ledge is the site where 19 innocent people were hanged during the Salem witch trials!
Personally, I would like to bring two of my grandchildren here to see where 19 innocents were killed because of fear and people’s opinions. I’m sure because I am outspoken and grow medicinal herbs, in that time I could have been counted as a witch. I do think there are lessons to be learned by children about other people’s opinions and not judging on what you see.
I’m descended from three who were accused of witchcraft. As for those of you who are scandalized by the way Salem uses the past as a selling point, or who are scandalized by the use of YOUR name – get over it. If by the grace of God, the stories hadn’t been carried down, or capitalized upon – you would just be living in obscurity. As for me, the first chance I get to Salem, I’ll take it. Why? Because I want to pay respect to those who were jailed with my relatives, but unfortunately suffered death. Am I going to be upset by those standing next to me? No. I’ll be grateful they are learning a lesson.
Any chance you are descended from Margaret Scott or Mary Eastey? I’ve been trying to do family tree starting with Margaret Stephenson Scott, the Scott side. Crazy as it may sound, I either was Mary Eastey in past life or just experienced a journey through it. Would love to speak to someone that knows more.
I am here in Salem now to honor the powerful victims of this tragic crime. I am doing my best to absorb, take in , revere the historical sites without buying in to the tourist bullshit.
I love the vibe Im getting. The women , infants and man who suffered at the hands and ignorant minds of the Puritans have very strong spirits to keep their story or legacy alive even at this current moment in time.