In 1692, the town of Salem, Massachusetts, became the center of a dark chapter in American colonial history the Salem Witch Trials. During this time, fear and superstition led to accusations of witchcraft, and soon many people in the town and surrounding areas were accused of being witches. This hysteria resulted in the deaths of 20 innocent people and the imprisonment of many others.
Governor William Phips, who had recently become the first royal governor of Massachusetts, found himself caught in the middle of this crisis. Although Phips didn’t start the trials, he made important decisions that affected how they were carried out. When he saw how out of control the trials had become, he put a stop to them, but not before lasting damage was done.
This post tells the story of Governor Phips and his involvement in the trials, showing how his decisions left a mark on Salem and Massachusetts history.
Who Was William Phips?
William Phips was born on February 2, 1651, in a small settlement called Woolwich, in what is now the state of Maine but was then part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He came from a very large family—he was one of 26 children, though not all survived. Growing up in a poor household, young William did not have access to a formal education, but he was ambitious and quickly learned practical skills, especially in shipbuilding. Despite his humble beginnings, William dreamed of a life of adventure and success. As a young man, he worked as a shipbuilder in Boston and later became a sea captain. This path eventually led him to the wealth and recognition that would change his life forever.
The Treasure Hunt that Made Phips Famous
William Phips’ wealth changed dramatically when he embarked on a dangerous treasure hunt. In 1684, he received permission from the British government to search for sunken treasure, particularly a Spanish ship called Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, which had sunk near the Bahamas. After years of searching and an initial failed attempt, William finally located the shipwreck in 1687, recovering an enormous amount of treasure that included silver, gold, and other valuables. This discovery made him wealthy and famous, gaining him powerful connections in England. William success caught the attention of King James II, who knighted him. Later, under King William III’s reign, William was appointed as the first royal governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692, giving him the authority and influence to take on this important role.
The Political and Social Climate in 1692
When William Phips took office as governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692, he faced numerous challenges. The colony was in the midst of King William’s War, with conflicts involving Native American tribes allied with the French, who controlled territories to the north. These attacks on frontier settlements created a climate of fear and instability. Internally, the colony was also adjusting to its new royal charter, which replaced the original charter that had been revoked in 1684. This new charter, issued by King William III in 1691, limited the colony’s previous autonomy and placed it under direct royal control, creating some friction among colonial leaders.
Adding to these troubles were the strict Puritan religious beliefs of the colonists. Puritans believed in a rigid moral code and were highly suspicious of anything that contradicted their religious teachings. Superstition ran high, and many believed that Satan was actively working to corrupt their community. This fear of the supernatural and of “witches” among them fueled the witchcraft hysteria that eventually erupted in Salem.
The Start of the Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials began in the early months of 1692, before Governor William Phips had even arrived in Massachusetts. It all started in Salem Village (present-day Danvers), where a group of young girls, including Elizabeth “Betty” Parris and her cousin Abigail Williams, began to exhibit strange behaviors such as screaming, contorting their bodies, and having fits. They claimed that they were being tormented by “invisible” forces and, under questioning, accused several local women of witchcraft, including Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne.
The panic spread quickly, and accusations of witchcraft began to appear throughout the colony. As other communities heard about the events in Salem Village, they, too, started to accuse people of witchcraft. By the time Governor Phips arrived in May 1692, the legal system was overwhelmed by the number of accusations, and the colony’s leaders felt they needed a swift response. This pressure led Phips to establish a special court to manage the cases, setting the stage for the trials that followed.
Governor Phips Establishes the Court of Oyer and Terminer
Governor William Phips arrived in Massachusetts on May 14, 1692, in the midst of the growing witchcraft panic. Recognizing the chaos and the colony’s need for a formal process to handle the cases, Phips quickly set up a special court to deal with the accusations. This court, known as the Court of Oyer and Terminer, was established on May 27, 1692, and given the authority to “hear and determine” the cases of those accused of witchcraft.
The court was led by William Stoughton, who served as the chief judge and took a strict stance on the cases. Other prominent judges included Samuel Sewall and Jonathan Corwin. The judges were instructed to handle cases swiftly, and under Stoughton’s leadership, the court allowed controversial evidence such as “spectral evidence,” where witnesses claimed to see the spirits of the accused tormenting them. This approach led to many convictions and heightened the fear and intensity of the trials.
The Role of “Spectral Evidence”
One of the most controversial aspects of the Salem Witch Trials was the use of spectral evidence. This type of evidence was based on dreams, visions, or other supernatural claims, where witnesses testified that they saw the spirit, or “specter,” of the accused person tormenting them even if the accused was somewhere else at the time. Puritans believed that the devil could use someone’s image to harm others, which made spectral evidence seem credible to many in the court.
Today, most people consider spectral evidence unreliable, but at the time, it was accepted as real proof of witchcraft. The reliance on spectral evidence led to numerous accusations and convictions in the early stages of the trials. By October 1692, however, doubts about its reliability grew, and Governor Phips ultimately prohibited spectral evidence, helping to bring an end to the trials.
Notable Cases and Executions
Over the summer of 1692, the Court of Oyer and Terminer heard several high-profile cases. Some of the most well-known victims of the Salem Witch Trials include:
- Bridget Bishop: The first person to be tried and executed, Bridget Bishop was an outspoken woman who often defied societal norms. She was quickly found guilty of witchcraft and was hanged on June 10, 1692.
- Rebecca Nurse: A respected elderly woman and a devout Christian, Rebecca Nurse was accused of witchcraft despite her good reputation. Many in the community testified on her behalf, but she was still convicted and hanged on July 19, 1692.
- George Burroughs: The former minister of Salem Village, Burroughs was accused of being a “ring leader” of the witches. Before his execution on August 19, 1692, he famously recited the Lord’s Prayer perfectly, an act believed impossible for witches, which briefly caused doubt among onlookers.
By the end of September 1692, 19 people had been hanged, and more than 150 others had been accused and imprisoned. One additional man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to plead to his charges. By then, the community was gripped by fear and mistrust, and doubts about the trials began to grow.
Governor Phips’ Change of Heart and the End of the Trials
While the Court of Oyer and Terminer was in session, Governor William Phips was frequently occupied with other colonial matters, including military conflicts related to King William’s War. This left Judge William Stoughton largely in charge, and the court’s use of spectral evidence led to numerous convictions. When Phips returned to Salem in October 1692, he was shocked by the number of people who had been condemned and how extreme the trials had become.
Recognizing the problems with the court, especially the reliance on spectral evidence, Phips took action. On October 29, 1692, he dissolved the Court of Oyer and Terminer and later replaced it with the Superior Court of Judicature in January 1693. This new court no longer allowed spectral evidence, and, as a result, many of the remaining accused were acquitted or had their charges dismissed.
By May 1693, Governor Phips issued a general pardon for all those still in prison on witchcraft charges, effectively ending the Salem Witch Trials. While his decision to stop the trials and pardon the accused helped restore order to the colony, the trials had already left a dark mark on the colony’s history and became a lasting symbol of the dangers of fear and injustice.
William Phips’ Later Years and Legacy
After the Salem Witch Trials, Governor William Phips continued to serve in office, but his time as governor was not without controversy. He faced criticism from various colonial leaders and had conflicts with the General Court over financial management, military resources, and his leadership style. Accusations of mismanagement during King William’s War eventually led to formal complaints, and in 1694, he was recalled to England to address these issues. However, before he could fully defend himself or return to Massachusetts, Phips fell ill and died of a fever in London on February 18, 1695.
Despite his involvement in the Salem Witch Trials, Phips is remembered today as a complex figure a man who initially allowed the trials but later took decisive action to stop them. Many historians credit him with helping to end the witchcraft hysteria by shutting down the court and banning spectral evidence, making him a key figure in one of colonial America’s most infamous events.
Historical Sites Related to William Phips and the Salem Witch Trials
For travelers interested in learning more about Governor Phips and the Salem Witch Trials, several sites in Salem offer insights into this period of history:
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Located near downtown Salem on Liberty Street, this memorial honors the 20 people who were executed during the trials. Each victim’s name and execution date are inscribed on stone benches, creating a solemn space for reflection.
- Salem Witch Museum: The Salem Witch Museum provides an overview of the 1692 trials and the larger social and political context, including the role of Puritan beliefs and spectral evidence. While the museum doesn’t focus specifically on Governor Phips, it offers valuable insight into the events that shaped the trials, making it a great starting point for understanding colonial Salem.
- The Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House): This was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges during the Salem Witch Trials, and it’s the only structure in Salem with direct ties to the trials that still stands. Today, it operates as a museum featuring exhibits on 17th-century life and the social factors behind the trials.
- Old Burying Point Cemetery (Charter Street Cemetery): This historic cemetery, one of the oldest in the United States, includes the graves of several individuals connected to the Salem Witch Trials, including Judge John Hathorne. While Governor Phips is buried in Boston, this cemetery offers a peaceful space to reflect on Salem’s past and the impact of the trials.
Final Thoughts
The Salem Witch Trials are remembered as a dark time marked by fear, superstition, and a lack of justice. Governor William Phips’ role in this period is complex. He established the Court of Oyer and Terminer that led to the convictions and executions, allowing the trials to escalate during a time of panic. However, Phips eventually recognized the injustices occurring and took decisive action to end the trials, banning spectral evidence and issuing a general pardon. His response reminds us of the difficult decisions leaders must sometimes make and how taking responsibility can help to correct mistakes.
Today, visitors to Salem can explore the tragic events of 1692 and draw meaningful lessons about justice, tolerance, and the dangers of allowing fear and suspicion to take control of a community. Walking through Salem’s historical sites, you can reflect on the legacy of Phips and the trials. It’s a powerful reminder of how history shapes us and the importance of learning from the mistakes of the past to create a more just and understanding society.
Frequently asked questions about Governor William Phips
Why did people believe in witchcraft so strongly in 1692?
- Belief in witchcraft was deeply rooted in the Puritan religious worldview of the time. The Puritans believed that the devil was constantly trying to corrupt and harm their community, especially since they saw themselves as God’s chosen people. Witchcraft was seen as a direct attack from the devil, and anything unusual or unexplainable was often attributed to supernatural causes. The lack of scientific understanding about illnesses, mental health, and natural events also contributed to people interpreting strange behaviors as witchcraft.
Why did Governor Phips allow the Court of Oyer and Terminer to use spectral evidence?
- When Phips established the Court of Oyer and Terminer, he likely left much of its functioning to Lieutenant Governor William Stoughton and other judges, who believed that spectral evidence was valid in proving witchcraft. Phips, dealing with external military threats, may not have fully understood the severity of the court’s proceedings until he returned in October. At that point, he realized the court’s reliance on spectral evidence was problematic and took action to dissolve it.
What were some other punishments besides hanging used during the Salem Witch Trials?
- The primary punishment for those convicted of witchcraft in Salem was hanging. However, one unusual punishment was used on Giles Corey, who refused to enter a plea. He was subjected to pressing a form of torture in which heavy stones were placed on his chest to force a plea. Corey ultimately died from this brutal treatment without entering a plea, making him the only person in the trials to be pressed to death.
Did the Salem Witch Trials affect laws in Massachusetts?
- Yes, the trials highlighted significant flaws in legal practices at the time, particularly regarding the use of spectral evidence. After the trials, leaders became more cautious about evidence requirements, and Massachusetts changed some of its court procedures to ensure fairer trials. In the decades following, colonial and later American courts placed more emphasis on tangible evidence and the rights of the accused, partly as a result of the lessons learned from the Salem Witch Trials.
Are there any modern descendants of the people involved in the Salem Witch Trials?
- Yes, many people living today are descendants of those involved in the Salem Witch Trials, including both the accusers and the accused. Several well-known figures, such as author Nathaniel Hawthorne (a descendant of Judge John Hathorne) and even some current public figures, have traced their ancestry back to those connected to the trials. Today, many descendants participate in events honoring the victims, helping to keep the memory of the trials and their lessons alive.
References
- Norton, Mary Beth. In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692. New York: Vintage Books, 2003.
- Rosenthal, Bernard. Salem Story: Reading the Witch Trials of 1692. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
- Boyer, Paul, and Stephen Nissenbaum. Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1974.
- “William Phips.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023.
- Robinson, Enders A.The Devil Discovered: Salem Witchcraft 1692. New York: Hippocrene Books, 1991.