FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2023-103 DAILY FEATURE:

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (June 2, 2023) – In today’s edition of Fun with Maps from Steve Kovacs, we visit a time of hysteria in Massachusetts.

THE WITCH CITY

Although witch hysteria had begun earlier in the year of 1692, it was on June 2 that a special court was convened to hear and decide the cases of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts.

The first to be tried, Bridget Bishop of Salem, was found guilty and hanged on June 10.  In all, thirteen women and five men were subsequently found guilty and hanged before the governor disbanded the court in October of that year.  Although 19 died in the trial process, others died in prison.  Many lives were never the same.

Witchcraft is certainly a source of tourism for the city of Salem.  Visitors can go to the Witch History Museum, visit Gallows Hill and the old cemetery, and go on numerous “witch hunts” taking in the sights of the once bustling seaport.

Dutton’s map of greater Boston from 1860 is shared here. Salem is in the upper right.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.