When I Go to Salem
It’s not what you think.
Salem, Massachusetts is one of my favorite places on earth. Located on the East Coast of the United States, in the North Shore area, Salem is tucked into a beautiful harbor of the Atlantic Ocean and bordered by the North and South Rivers. Salem was founded by Roger Conant and settled a few years before Boston in 1626. It boasts a long, rich, maritime history which continues to this day.
For many years, Salem has been known as the “Witch City”. This is, of course, in reference to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Many people were formally accused of witchcraft that year and 20 were executed for the “crime”. Those 20 people, all Puritans, would have been absolutely horrified to know that they were still thought of as witches. They would probably have something to say about modern Salem, for sure. The streets are laid out pretty much the same way as they were in 1692, but the idea of witchcraft and all things metaphysical are celebrated here now rather than persecuted. There’s nary a Puritan to be found, unless you count the fools who protest during Halloween and other witchy events.
(1700 Map of Salem: https://salem.lib.virginia.edu/maps/salemmap1c.jpg )
Over time, Salem has become a magnet for actual witches (myself, included) and everything that goes with the spooky side of life. It’s become a place of belonging…
