Salem, Massachusetts, is known for its infamous 1692 witch trials, but the city is also recognized for its haunted history. Visitors from around the world come to the town not only for its rich past but also for the supernatural experiences said to occur in its haunted locations. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Salem’s ghost stories and haunted sites offer an eerie and unforgettable experience. This guide provides detailed, factual accounts of the most haunted places in Salem, offering tourists a glimpse into the town’s supernatural side.
1. The Joshua Ward House (The Merchant)
Address: 148 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970
The Joshua Ward House is one of Salem’s most haunted and infamous locations. Built in 1784 by Joshua Ward, the property is linked to Sheriff George Corwin, infamous for his brutal role in the Salem Witch Trials. Corwin was known as “The Strangler” and was involved in the torture and execution of accused witches, including Giles Corey. It is said that Corwin’s spirit haunts the house, along with two other entities: Giles Corey and a mysterious female spirit. Visitors and staff have reported cold spots, the feeling of being watched, and a female apparition captured in a photograph from a holiday party in 1981.
2. The Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House)
Address: 310 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
The Witch House is the only structure in Salem directly connected to the Witch Trials that still stands today. It belonged to Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was involved in sentencing accused witches. Visitors often report eerie feelings, cold drafts, and unsettling sensations, particularly in rooms where interrogations took place. Although less active in terms of paranormal phenomena compared to other locations, it remains a significant historical site.
3. Old Burying Point Cemetery
Address: 51 Charter Street, Salem, MA 01970
Also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, the Old Burying Point Cemetery is one of the oldest graveyards in the United States, dating back to the 1600s. Many prominent figures involved in the Witch Trials, including Judge John Hathorne, are buried here. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing disembodied voices, and feeling an overwhelming sense of unease, particularly near Hathorne’s grave. The cemetery’s eerie atmosphere makes it a frequent stop on Salem ghost tours.
4. The Hawthorne Hotel
Address: 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970
The Hawthorne Hotel, built in 1925, is another of Salem’s haunted hotspots. Named after author Nathaniel Hawthorne, this hotel is built on land once owned by Bridget Bishop, the first woman executed for witchcraft in Salem. Guests have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in hallways, furniture moving on its own, and hearing unexplained noises. Rooms 325 and 612 are particularly known for strange activity. The hotel has also been featured on paranormal TV shows.
5. The Salem Jail
Address: 50 St. Peter Street, Salem, MA 01970
Originally constructed in 1813, the Salem Jail housed criminals under grim conditions, resulting in disease, death, and unrest. The haunted reputation of this location stems from paranormal investigations reporting ghostly voices, screams, and the sounds of rattling chains. Doors slamming shut and drops in temperature have also been experienced by visitors.
6. The House of the Seven Gables
Address: 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
The House of the Seven Gables, built in 1668, is famous for its connection to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. It is also one of Salem’s haunted locations, with reports of strange occurrences like phantom footsteps and doors closing on their own. The ghost of Susan Ingersoll, a relative of Hawthorne, is said to roam the house, especially in the attic and basement.
7. Proctor’s Ledge
Address: Proctor Street, Salem, MA 01970
Proctor’s Ledge is the confirmed site where the majority of the accused witches were hanged in 1692. For many years, historians believed that Gallows Hill was the execution site, but recent research confirmed Proctor’s Ledge as the location. Visitors report a heavy, oppressive energy, and some have claimed to see glowing lights or orbs. The site is now a memorial to honor the victims.
8. Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
Address: 43 Church Street, Salem, MA 01970
Turner’s Seafood, located in the historic Lyceum Hall, is built on what was once Bridget Bishop’s apple orchard. Bishop was the first person executed during the Salem Witch Trials, and her spirit is said to haunt the restaurant. Staff and patrons have reported objects moving on their own and a ghostly figure, believed to be Bishop herself, appearing in the dining area.
9. The Salem Inn
Address: 7 Summer Street, Salem, MA 01970
The Salem Inn, dating back to the 1830s, is another of Salem’s haunted hotels. Room 17 is particularly known for paranormal activity, with guests reporting the sensation of being watched or touched by an unseen presence. The ghost of a laughing child and a black cat have also been seen at the Inn, adding to its eerie charm.
10. Ropes Mansion
Address: 318 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
Ropes Mansion, built in the early 18th century, is known for being haunted by Abigail Ropes, a former resident who died in the house. Visitors and staff have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering through the rooms and hearing strange noises coming from her former bedroom. The mansion’s garden, while serene during the day, is also said to have an eerie presence.
Final Thoughts
Salem, Massachusetts, is a city steeped in history and haunted by the past. Whether you’re visiting for its infamous witch trials or its supernatural reputation, the haunted locations of Salem offer a unique and eerie experience. From haunted hotels to spooky cemeteries and ghostly restaurants, Salem provides plenty of opportunities for tourists to explore the paranormal side of this historic town.
Questions and Answers About Haunted Places in Salem
1. What was the cause of death for Abigail Ropes, the ghost said to haunt Ropes Mansion? Abigail Ropes died in 1839 when her clothing caught fire in the house. Visitors have reported seeing her ghost and hearing strange noises in her former bedroom.
2. Why is Proctor’s Ledge considered more haunted than Gallows Hill? Proctor’s Ledge was confirmed as the actual execution site of the accused witches in 1692, whereas Gallows Hill was long believed to be the location. Visitors often report a heavy atmosphere and strange lights at Proctor’s Ledge.
3. Is there any historical evidence supporting ghost sightings at The House of the Seven Gables? While there are many stories about sightings of Susan Ingersoll’s ghost and phantom footsteps, these are largely anecdotal. The house is more famous for its connection to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel than for documented hauntings.
4. What is the significance of Bridget Bishop’s connection to Turner’s Seafood? Turner’s Seafood is located on the land that was once Bridget Bishop’s apple orchard. Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the Witch Trials, is believed to haunt the restaurant, and patrons report seeing her ghost and experiencing strange occurrences.
5. What kind of paranormal activity is reported at the Old Burying Point Cemetery? Visitors report ghostly apparitions, especially near Judge John Hathorne’s grave, hearing disembodied voices, and seeing shadowy figures.
6. Is there a particular room in The Salem Inn that is more haunted than others? Room 17 at The Salem Inn is known for paranormal activity. Guests frequently report being watched or touched, and some have seen the ghost of a child and a black cat.
7. Did George Washington stay at the Joshua Ward House? Yes, George Washington is said to have stayed at the Joshua Ward House, adding to its historical significance alongside its haunted reputation due to Sheriff George Corwin.
8. What kind of paranormal activity is reported at the Hawthorne Hotel? Guests report seeing apparitions, hearing footsteps, and experiencing temperature drops, particularly in rooms 325 and 612. The ghost of Bridget Bishop is believed to haunt the site, which was once part of her orchard.
9. Has the Salem Jail been investigated by paranormal experts? Yes, the Salem Jail has been investigated by paranormal experts. Investigators and visitors have reported hearing ghostly voices, chains rattling, and doors slamming shut.
10. Is there any evidence of ghost sightings in the tunnels underneath Salem? Paranormal investigations of Salem’s underground tunnels have revealed reports of a “presence,” glowing orbs, and cold spots.
References
- “The Haunted Joshua Ward House in Salem.” GhostCityTours.com.
- “Joshua Ward House | Haunted Places | Salem, MA.” HauntedPlaces.org.
- “13 Haunted Places in Salem MA + Haunted Hotels to Book.” NewEnglandWithLove.com.
- “13 Spine-Chilling & Haunted Places In Salem!” SeenByAmy.com.
- “The Merchant Hotel (Joshua Ward House) – Haunted Houses.” HauntedHouses.com.