The Real Home of Witches

You have probably grown up thinking that the real home of witches was Salem, Massachusetts. After all, the trials are actually called the Salem Witch Craft trials.

However, what you may not know is that the trials did not occur in what is known as Salem. Nay, the real witch city to visit is Danvers, Massachusetts. Now, during the witchcraft hysteria, it is important to point out that Danvers was known as Salem Village. It was a subsection of Salem Town (the current Salem) and a more rural version at that.

At the time of the trials, there was a definite division between the people of town and village. In fact, many of the people accused of " witchcraft" were villagers. The rift between the town and village grew. After the trials were over and time passed, the village wanted to separate itself from the negative history created by the trial and the disdain people had for the Town....so it became Danvers (exactly where the town got its name is lost to history).

So the next time you visit the Witch City, don't forget the real witch city - Salem. There you will find sites, monuments, and houses (including the Rebecca Nurse house as well as three other houses from the time of the trials) that are all testimony to the witchcraft legacy.

Welcome

Welcome to the Mass Mysteries blog. This website is dedicated to the mystery and history of Massachusetts. A particular focus is on the legends, lore, and unexplained of Massachusetts.

Founded in part in 2007 by my wife (Melissa) and me (Chris), and contributed by our family members, we seek to help others learn about the history and hijinks of the Bay State. We hope you learn a lot about Massachusetts and enjoy your stary.