Salem Witch trials
by Emma Hilliard
Event Information
the trials begin
When?
Thursday, Mar 1, 1962, 09:00 PM
Where?
Salem, Massachusetts
What started it all
9, and 11 year old Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams, were having "fits". These two girls screamed and uttered strange sounds while throwing things and hiding under tables and chairs. The people of Salem Village started having suspicions about these two girls being witches and were soon accused of performing witchcraft.
Elizabeth "Betty" Parris
9 year old, involved in the creation of the witch trials.
Abigail Williams
11 year old , first accused in the witch trials along with her cousin, Betty (to left)
Set to DEATH
These young women accused of witchcraft
The Death Trials
There were many strategies for putting a witch to death. Most people accused of being witches were hung because they could hang many witches at a time. Unfortunate others were stabbed with the cursed "witch pins" for torture before being put to death. If the witches weren't hung, they were either drowned or burned. The majority of the villagers preferred burning the witches over drowning because it was a more painful death.
Witch Pins
Cursed pins in a jar that were only used to torment the accused witches.
Hanging
This was the way to finally kill the witches after being stabbed by the witch pins.
Burned to Death
Many chose the burning method because it is a more painful way to die.
What Caused The Salem Witch Trials?