The Witch House, Salem

The Jonathan Corwin House, known locally as The Witch House, stands as a tangible connection to one of the darkest chapters in American history - the Salem witch trials of 1692. This historic house museum is the sole surviving structure in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials, and it offers visitors a haunting glimpse into a time when superstition and fear gripped the community.

The Witch House was the residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a pivotal role in the witch trials. In 1675, when Corwin was 35 years old, he acquired the house and made it his home for over four decades. The house remained within the Corwin family until the mid-19th century. Judge Corwin was called upon to investigate claims of diabolical activity when a wave of witchcraft accusations swept through Salem Village (now known as Danvers) and neighboring communities. He took over the duties of Judge Nathaniel Saltonstall, who resigned after the execution of Bridget Bishop. As a member of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, Judge Corwin played a central role in the trials, ultimately sending 19 people to the gallows.

Architecturally, The Witch House serves as an excellent example of 17th-century New England design. Although historians remain uncertain about the precise year of its construction, family lore suggests that it was built in 1642. Some scholars, however, contend that it may date back to the 1620s or 1630s, with the intriguing possibility that Roger Williams, who founded Providence Plantations, once resided within its walls.

In the 1940s, The Witch House underwent a remarkable journey when it was moved about 35 feet to its present location. During this process, the house was meticulously restored to recapture its 17th-century appearance, with the only notable alteration being the gambrel roof.

Today, The Witch House stands as a museum operated by the City of Salem, drawing curious visitors from around the world. It is open seasonally, offering an immersive experience that transports guests back in time to an era of suspicion, hysteria, and the enduring legacy of the Salem witch trials. In 2011, the Ghost Adventures crew featured The Witch House during their investigations, adding an extra layer of mystique to this iconic historical site.