Salem, Massachusetts, is a town that will forever be known for its famous Witch Trials of 1692. Within this historic witch city lies the Ropes Mansion, a beautiful yet spooky historical landmark of the town that draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each Halloween season, with its tales of hauntings and captivating history.
History of the Ropes Mansion
Ropes Mansion, located in Salem, Massachusetts, is a historic Georgian Colonial mansion that was built in the 1720s Originally built for merchant Samuel Barnard, the home was later acquired by Judge Nathaniel Ropes in 1768.
Nathaniel Ropes was a well-known person in Salem, serving as a judge and a member of the Governor’s Council. In 1774 during the American Revolution there was an attack on Ropes Mansion, Nathaniel succumbed to smallpox shortly after this incident.
The mansion remained in the Ropes family until the death of Nathaniel’s sister Eliza in 1907. The home was then passed down to the Trustees of the Ropes Memorial, who opened the mansion museum in 1912. The Ropes Mansion features a Colonial-style garden designed by John Robinson.
The historic mansion has undergone several renovations such as the addition of a rear ell and the reconstruction of the central entrance. Electricity and plumbing were also added to the home.
In recent history, Ropes Mansion has experienced further incidents including a fire in 2009 that caused a great amount of damage. However, the mansion was restored and reopened in 2015.
Today Ropes Mansion is managed by the Peabody Essex Museum and is open for self-guided tours beginning in the summer and ending in fall. The mansion also is a stop on the Salem Heritage Trial, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and beautiful gardens.
Is the Ropes Mansion Haunted?
The mansion is as famous for its haunted tales as it is for its historical significance. Stories of ghost sightings have surrounded the mansion for many years. One of the most well-known ghosts said to haunt the Ropes Mansion is Abigail Ropes. Abigail was the daughter of Judge Nathaniel Ropes II, in 1839 she died in a fire that started in the mansion. According to legend, Abigail’s spirit is tied to the mansion, unable to move on from the place of her death.
Visitors and staff have reported seeing a ghostly figure, believed to be Abigail Ropes, walking through the halls and appearing in the windows. Some have felt sudden drops in temperature, unexplained noises, and the feeling of being watched. The haunting stories have been passed down through many years adding to the mansion’s attraction.
In addition to Abigail’s sightings, there have been several other paranormal accounts within the Ropes Mansion. Objects reportedly move on their own, doors open and close without explanation and voices can sometimes be heard in empty rooms.
The Ropes Mansion Garden
The garden located behind the mansion was beautifully designed by John Robinson. It was designed to reflect the Colonial Revival style popular in the early 20th century.
The garden features winding paths that lead visitors through the beautiful scenery.
The garden is open to the public every day and be seen free of charge.
Visiting the Mansion
Located at 318 Essex Street, Salem, Ropes Mansion is part of the Peabody Essex Museum and is open to the public. Visitors can walk through 15 rooms and learn about the mansion’s history. The mansion gardens are also open for visitors to enjoy, with a combination of winding pathways and a variety of flowers, it is the perfect place for a wedding proposal.
Opened on weekends, visitors can take self-guided tours, using informational plaques and brochures to navigate the mansion at their own pace.
The mansion and garden have pathways that are generally accessible, but it is recommended to check with the Peabody Essex Museum for specific accessibility concerns.
At night the Ropes Mansion windows are lit with beautiful orange lights, perfect for photos.
Currently, there are no tickets needed to view the mansion.
Allison’s House, Disney’s Hocus Pocus
In the film Hocus Pocus, Ropes Mansion is featured as the rich home of Allison, Max Dennison’s love interest. The mansion appears in several scenes, most notably when Max and Dani visit Allison’s home on Halloween night and later when they discuss the Sanderson Sister’s Legend.
Since the Release of Hocus Pocus, Ropes Mansion has become a popular visiting attraction for fans of the movie. Many people come to Salem, Massachusetts just to see the iconic film location.
Visitors’ Reviews of Ropes Mansion
“Ropes Mansion Garden is a must see, Tucked away on Essex Street lies a delightful and expansive garden, currently in its most spectacular form. Visitors can expect to find exotic and unusual plantings, all maintained with meticulous care. We visited on a Saturday evening when a glamorous wedding next door filled the garden with music, and the setting sun painted the sky above. Children will delight in the frog and lily pond, complete with a tumbling brook and bright goldfish darting about. The unmarked entrance is located between the driveway of the First Church in Salem and the entrance to the mansion. Walk through the charming, wisteria-covered archway into this hidden gem. The garden has no steps to navigate, but the paths are gravel.”
“Does this mansion look familiar? That’s because it’s Allison’s house from the first “Hocus Pocus” movie! Much of the film was shot in Salem, including this iconic mansion. Seeing it in person was thrilling for a Hocus Pocus fan like me. It looks exactly the same as it did in the 1993 movie! 🔮🎃
The mansion is now a museum offering historic tours, although we didn’t take the tour. The backyard is a sprawling garden filled with stunning flowers, bushes, and beautiful landscaping. We took photos in front of the mansion and then explored the lush gardens in the back.
This beautiful, historic, and famous location is a must-see while in historic Salem. It’s worth visiting for its history and as one of the filming locations of Hocus Pocus. There are several notable spots in Salem to check out!“
Questions and Answers
Where is the Ropes Mansion located?
The Ropes Mansion is located at 318 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts, in the McIntire Historic District.
Is photography allowed inside the Ropes Mansion?
Photography is typically allowed inside the Ropes Mansion, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited to protect the artifacts and furniture. It’s always a good idea to check with the museum staff regarding specific photography rules during your visit.
Are there any special events held at the Ropes Mansion?
The Ropes Mansion occasionally hosts special events, such as historical lectures, garden tours, and seasonal celebrations. During Halloween, the mansion is especially popular due to its association with Hocus Pocus and Salem’s haunted history. The garden is also a venue for community events and public programs organized by the Peabody Essex Museum.
What other historical landmarks are near the Ropes Mansion?
The Ropes Mansion is located in Salem’s McIntire Historic District, which is home to other notable landmarks such as the Salem Witch House, the John Ward House, and Hamilton Hall. It’s also close to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and the Peabody Essex Museum.
How long should I plan to spend at the Ropes Mansion?
Visitors typically spend about 30 minutes to an hour touring the interior of the Ropes Mansion. If you plan to explore the garden and take photos, you might want to allow additional time. The mansion is often visited in conjunction with other nearby historic sites, so plan accordingly if you’re on a walking tour of Salem.
How do I get to the Ropes Mansion?
The Ropes Mansion is easily accessible by foot if you’re exploring downtown Salem. If driving, there is limited street parking, but several public parking lots are nearby. It’s also accessible via public transportation, including the MBTA Commuter Rail, which has a stop at Salem Station, about a 15-minute walk from the mansion.
Did any of the Ropes family members participate in the Salem Witch Trials?
No, the Ropes family did not participate in the Salem Witch Trials. The mansion was built several decades after the infamous 1692 trials. However, the Ropes family played a significant role in Salem’s post-trial history, especially in its economic and political development.
Photos of the Ropes Mansion and Garden
