Salem Witch Trials Sites in Danvers, MA: A Guide to Historic Locations
When most people think of the Salem Witch Trials, they picture the bustling streets of modern-day Salem, Massachusetts. But the true heart of the 1692 hysteria lies just a few miles away in Danvers—formerly known as Salem Village. This quiet suburban town was the epicenter of the witchcraft accusations, where the first cries of bewitchment were heard, and where many of the accused lived, worshiped, and were arrested. Today, Danvers is home to several important historical sites that still bear witness to one of the darkest chapters in American history. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the most significant Salem Witch Trials locations in Danvers, MA, offering insight into the events that unfolded and how you can visit these powerful places today.
Salem Village Witchcraft Victims’ Memorial: Honoring the Innocent
Begin your journey at the Salem Village Witchcraft Victims’ Memorial, a powerful and moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the tragic events of 1692. Located in Danvers—once known as Salem Village—this site stands as a solemn reminder of the consequences of fear and injustice.
At the heart of the memorial is a striking granite wall made up of three central panels, each 12 feet long and 8 feet high, flanked by two smaller angled panels. Etched into the stone are the names and hometowns of the 25 known victims who died as a result of the Salem Witch Trials. These names represent communities from across New England, including Salem Village (now Danvers), Salem Farms (Peabody), Salem, Andover, Billerica, Amesbury, Reading, Topsfield, Marblehead, and Rowley.
Inscribed on the angled panels are the final words of eight accused individuals—haunting last pleas for justice spoken during their examinations and tragically ignored. In total, 24 men, women, and one child perished as a result of the hysteria.
In front of the wall stands a symbolic granite sarcophagus, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet, accompanied by a carved slant-top Bible box. The front of the box features five intricately carved rosettes—motifs often seen on 17th-century Puritan gravestones—interwoven with a serpentine vine representing eternity, a reflection of Puritan beliefs. Resting atop the box is the “Book of Life,” a symbol of the eternal salvation the accused hoped for. During the trials, many were falsely accused of signing the Devil’s Book. This memorial honors their refusal to confess, preserving their hope that their true names would instead be recorded in the Book of Life.
Above the sarcophagus, two broken metal shackles lie separated by the Bible box—representing the breaking of the lies and fear that fueled the witch hysteria. The front of the sarcophagus bears a simple but powerful inscription:
“In memory of those innocents who died during the Salem Village witchcraft hysteria of 1692.”
This memorial does more than list names—it tells a story of resilience, dignity, and the enduring fight for truth. It is a place for reflection and remembrance, where history continues to speak to us through stone, symbol, and silence.
