Salem Witch House, 1901 and 2013
In 1692, Salem, Massachusetts was a terrifying place to be. Anyone, beggars, farmers, wealthy tavern owners, even a minister could be (and were) accused of witchcraft. Salem judges had nineteen people hanged and pressed one to death based on “spectral evidence” provided by a handful of the town’s teen girls. Jonathan Corwin was a judge during the Trials, investigating claims and signing arrest warrants. The Witch House (also known as the Jonathan Corwin House) is the only known remaining building associated with the Trials. Over the centuries, the house underwent radical alterations. In 1856, druggist George Farrington purchased the property and added an apothecary to the front (seen in the 1901 photo). In 1945 the building was moved from its original location to save it from a road project, kick-starting other preservation efforts. The City of Salem bought the house and has restored it back to its 1600s form.