Plaque.

Where the Witches Were Tried

An old plaque, blackened and corroded with time, is bolted to the outside wall of the Salem Masonic Temple. It helpfully points out that "nearly opposite this spot," in the middle of what is now Washington Street, stood the courtroom where most of the Salem witches were tried and condemned to death in 1692. The plaque pays particular attention to Giles Corey, who was "pressed to death" for refusing to plead guilty or not guilty. There's no explanation as to why Giles is singled out; maybe the mysterious Masons just respected his ability to keep a secret.

Where the Witches Were Tried

Address:: 72 Washington St., Salem, MA
Directions:: Downtown. On the west side of Washington St. just south of its intersection with Lynde St. You'll see a building with three stone arches; the plaque is mounted just to the left of the left-most arch.
Admission:: Free

Nearby Offbeat Places

Bewitched Statue, Salem, MA - < 1 mi.

Witch Dungeon Museum, Salem, MA - < 1 mi.

Witch Gaol Plaque #1, Salem, MA - < 1 mi.

In the region:

Pose Inside Outdoor Picture Frame, New Castle, NH - 39 mi.

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