Danvers was formerly known as Salem Village. Residents of the village had moved inland from the coastal town of Salem as they wished to pursue farming, rather than fishing. In 1692, rumors of witchcraft began in this small village and resulted in trials and executions of some of the accused. The witch hunt spread to other areas of Massachusetts, too. In 1757, the town was incorporated as Danvers. In the mid to late 1800s the town boomed as it became a summer refuge for Bostonians. The railroad was instrumental in making the migration possible. Salem, and not Danvers, attracts the majority of tourists interested in the witch hunts.

Rebecca Nurse Homestead

© Rebecca Nurse Homestead

Salem Village Witchcraft Victims' Memorial

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