About Salem, Massachusetts
Home to America's first National Historic Site and birthplace of the National Guard
Salem is a historic city on the north coast of Massachusetts above Boston. At its peak between 1776 and 1812, it was the busiest trading port in the United States and the sixth largest city. Salem is home to America's first National historic site, the Salem Maritime.
The spooky town is most famous for its 1692 witch trials, during which several locals were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft. The Salem Witch Trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft—the Devil's magic—and a total of 20 were executed.
Book Your Ghost Tour With US Ghost Adventures
The trials left a scar, later attributed to social tensions (land disputes, Puritan zeal), possible ergot poisoning (a hallucinogenic fungus in rye), or sheer paranoia. Salem became a cautionary tale about fear and injustice, inspiring works like Arthur Miller’s The Crucible (1953), a metaphor for McCarthyism.
Eventually, in 1711, colonial authorities admitted the trials were a mistake and compensated the families of those convicted. Landmarks from this episode include the Witch House, the former home of a trial judge.
In August 1992, to mark the 300th anniversary of the trials, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel dedicated the Witch Trials Memorial in Salem. Founded by Roger Conant and a group of immigrants from Cape Ann. The settlement was first titled Naumkeag, but the settlers preferred to call it Salem, derived from the Hebrew word for peace.
In January 2013 legislation was signed that officially designated Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard. Salem is also home to the first ever outdoor gymnasium in the U.S. which was set up in 1821 at the Salem Latin School.
The Peabody Essex Museum, one of Salem's most popular attractions, has a massive collection of global art and artifacts, including a rebuilt Qing-era Chinese house. Salem is often listed as a top spot for Halloween season getaways. People from all over the world descend into town for the ghostly events during the entire month of October.
The classic Halloween hit movie Hocus Pocus was filmed at numerous locations in Salem. The town is considered one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for families, couples, domestic and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience for cultural enrichment and American history.
The city’s 400-year-old architecture—Georgian mansions, cobblestone alleys—blends with kitschy witch shops. Yet, it’s not all spooky: Salem’s waterfront and Pickering Wharf nod to its maritime roots, and its literary ties (Hawthorne was born here in 1804) add depth.
Book Your Ghost Tour With US Ghost Adventures
Today, Salem is a vibrant city that combines its rich history with modern amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. Downtown Salem is filled with shops, boutiques, and restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines, from fresh seafood to international fare.
Keep in mind Salem gets over 1 million visitors in the five weeks leading up to Halloween with the ever-growing interest in the holiday's unofficial hometown in October.
