Salem Massachusetts has long been known for the witch trials that occurred back in the 1600's. This was a deeply religious area with Puritan values, meaning that anyone suspected of witchcraft was basically consorting with evil. Citizens ganged up on each other and accusations were thrown about. By the end, about 20 citizens were sentenced to death, by either hanging or pressing (yikes), for supposedly practicing witchcraft.
Today, the area is a popular tourist spot. It's also a spot with lots of ghostly activity. One common spot known to be haunted is the house that was originally owned by one of the judges who sentenced citizens to their deaths during the trials. It is known as The Witch House, or the Corwin House after the judge. Today it is a museum spotlighting a dark time in history. Paranormal happenings at The Witch House include apparitions, disembodied voices, orbs and strange figures in photographs.
Another haunted location in Salem is the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It's from the early to mid 1600's and the resting place of many of Salem's former residents. One notorious former resident who is buried in the cemetery is "Hanging Joe," the head of judges during the Salem Witch Trials. He was not a nice man. His legacy is marred by his handling of the trials. It is said that he still haunts the cemetery. Orbs, apparitions and other strange occurrences have been reported right next to his final resting place.
Salem is a unique part of America's history. It is next on my list of places to visit!