Haunted Salem, Massachusetts is known for a colorful maritime history and its witch history.  Some people also call it one of America’s most haunted cities.

However, some of the most intensely haunted areas aren’t actually in Salem.  They’re in nearby Danvers and Lynn.

In this 18-minute podcast, Fiona Broome describes four haunted sites — three of them connected with the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 — that are worth visiting.

Salem Village of 1692 is now in the town of Danvers.  In addition to a lovely witch memorial and several related historic sites, Danvers is where the witch hysteria began.

At Centre Street in Danvers, you can see the foundation of the parsonage of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Parris.  His daughter Betty and niece Abigail were among the first “afflicted” girls, and his slave, Tituba, was among those accused.

The site is open to the public and has interesting historical markers explaining what’s there.  It’s also unnaturally quiet.

Nearby, Whipple Hill – sometimes called “witch hill” — was the site of supposed spectral gatherings of witches in 1692.

Today, it’s a lovely location for hiking, but it’s also a little eerie.  Park at nearby Endicott Park (fee charged) to explore it.

The hiking paths are well-marked but uneven, so wear appropriate hiking shoes, boots, or sneakers.

The hill is a gentle climb, suitable for a family outing.  From the top of the hill, the view can be lovely.

However, like the other sites connected with the witch trials, there’s something very odd about the sense of solitude and silence at Whipple Hill.  It starts almost as soon as you leave the nearby road.

Also notice the odd, twisted plants growing wild just off the hiking path.  They’re lovely.  Strange… but lovely.

Before leaving Danvers, visit the Rebecca Nurse Homestead.  It’s just off Pine Street, not far from the Parris site and Whipple Hill.  (However, you’ll drive there.  It’s a little far to walk.)

Open seasonally, this is a large historical attraction that shows many aspects of life from the 17th century to the present.

Rebecca Nurse’s story was one of many tragic tales from the 1692 hysteria.  Her grave may also be on the property, making this a site especially interesting if you’re mixing history and ghost hunting.

Not far from Danvers, Lynn Woods State Park is the home of an even older haunted location.  Park near the Rose Garden entrance to the park, and hike in to the stone stair — sometimes steep — that lead to Dungeon Rock.  There, the pirate Thomas Veale guarded a pirate treasure.  An early earthquake sealed him inside the rocky hill along with the treasure.

In the 19th century, Veale contacted Hiram Marble, who bought the land and began excavating to find the treasure.  His efforts were not successful, and — according to legends — the site is still haunted by Veale and others.

Click here to listen to this podcast on your computer (MP3)

My related articles (at my “Ghosts of Salem, Massachusetts” book site)

Witch Hill – Danvers – Additional details about visiting Whipple Hill (aka “witch hill”) in Danvers

Samuel Parris’ Home – Danvers – More about the infamous minister, his role in the 1692 Witch Trials, and what happened to him

Music: Zombie, written & orchestrated by Devin Anderson

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