What were the Salem Witch Trials?
Q: What were the Salem Witch Trials?
A: The Salem Witch Trials were a series of county court trials in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693 which accused people of being witches.
Q: How many people were arrested during the trials?
A: During the Trials, over 150 people accused of witchcraft were arrested and put in jail. Even more people were accused, but never formally charged by the authorities.
Q: Who began twisting themselves into strange shapes and saying words that made no sense?
A: Two young girls in Salem Village, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, began twisting themselves into strange shapes and saying words that made no sense.
Q: Where did the witch trials take place?
A: The witch trials took place in Essex, Suffolk and Middlesex Counties of colonial Massachusetts.
Q: How many people were convicted of witchcraft during the trial?
A: Twenty-nine people were convicted (or found guilty) of witchcraft during the trial.
Q: What happened to Giles Corey who refused to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty?
A: Authorities tortured him to try to force him to confess or enter a plea. Corey was crushed to death under heavy stones.
Q: When was there another witch trial held after the Salem Witch Trials ?
A: A much later Ipswich Witch Trial was held in 1878, which was called the second Salem witch trial.
