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16 Facts About Salem, Massachusetts, That You Probably Didn’t Know
Get to know this city by the sea.
But fear not (about missing out, at least)! We’ve rounded up some interesting facts about Salem so you can enjoy it from home this season. Check them out below.
1.
The infamous Salem witch trials lasted for approximately one year between 1692 and 1693.
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2.
The Witch House is the only building you can visit in Salem that has a direct connection to the witch trials of 1692.
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It was the home of Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges who presided over the trials.
3.
The city ran a public competition to design the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and it was and officially dedicated in 1992 on the 300th anniversary of the trials.
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The winning design, created by Maggie Smith and James Cutler from Bainbridge Island, Washington, was chosen out of 246 entries. It’s located in the center of Salem and provides a peaceful area for those wanting to pay their respects.
4.
The Salem Witch Museum offers an educational experience about the historical trials, and it was recently featured in Netflix’s Hubie Halloween.
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The building was constructed in the mid-1800s and was originally used as a church. After that, it served as The Salem Auto Museum and Americana Shops before becoming the Salem Witch Museum in 1972.
7.
In 1970, Bewitched filmed the “Salem Saga” episodes in the city after the show’s set burned down in California.
8.
The House of Seven Gables is the real-life setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name.
9.
Room W17 at the Salem Inn is believed to be haunted — many guests have reported “strange happenings” like things moving mysteriously and unknown shadows.
10.
Salem is the original birthplace of the National Guard, which dates back to 1636.
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President Obama signed legislation officially recognizing this in 2013.
12.
The game manufacturing company Parker Brothers was originally founded in Salem over a century ago.
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Salem-local George S. Parker started the business in 1883 and was later joined by his brothers, Charles and Edward. Some of the company’s most popular games include Monopoly, Clue, and Risk.
14.
The Old Burying Point Cemetery (aka Charter Street Cemetery) opened in 1637, making it the oldest cemetery in Salem — and one of the oldest in the whole country.
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Here, you’ll find the grave of Judge John Hathorne, one of the key magistrates of the Salem witch trials. (Bonus fact: He was the great-great grandfather of author Nathaniel Hawthorne.)
15.
More than 75 massive street art murals can be found in the neighborhood known as “El Punto” (The Point).
16.
And, typically, over half a million visitors flock to Salem each October to celebrate Halloween.
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This accounts for around 30% of the city’s annual tourism.
But alas, this year you’re probably better off staying home and spending Halloween watching Hocus Pocus instead.
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You can enjoy Salem from afar and get a head start on planning your adventure for next fall!
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Source: 16 Facts You About Salem, Massachusetts, That You Probably Didn’t Know
