Introduction: Unraveling a 300-Year-Old Mystery
For centuries, Salem historians debated where exactly the infamous 1692 witch trials executions occurred. In 2016, a dedicated team finally pinpointed Proctor’s Ledge as the authentic location, reshaping Salem’s understanding of its tragic past.
The Gallows Hill Myth and the Discovery of Proctor’s Ledge
Previously believed to be Gallows Hill, thorough analysis by the University of Virginia’s Gallows Hill Project corrected historical inaccuracies, identifying Proctor’s Ledge as the definitive site. Researchers utilized historical documents, eyewitness accounts, geographic surveys, and modern archaeological technology to establish their findings.
Memorializing the Victims at Proctor’s Ledge
In 2017, Salem unveiled a memorial at Proctor’s Ledge, listing all 19 victims executed by hanging. The solemn spot has become an essential pilgrimage for historians and tourists alike. Visitors frequently report profound sadness, sudden chills, and spectral sightings at the site.
Our respectful visits to Proctor’s Ledge on Ghost Tours of Salem provide firsthand accounts of paranormal phenomena and detailed historical insight.
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