Frequently Asked Questions For Salem, MA | FAQs (2024)

FAQs

What are some cool facts about Salem Massachusetts? ›

Salem was the birthplace of the American military. In 1628, Governor John Endecott was authorized to create an official militia to defend the town. All men between ages 16 and 60 were obligated to serve. The first muster of the militia took place on Salem Common in 1637.

Salem is known for its rich maritime history, as being the birthplace of the National Guard, and for the infamous Witchcraft Trials of 1692.

If you walk the entire route, you will cover about three miles. Depending on how fast you walk and how much time you spend at each site, it should take you between 1-1/2 to 2 hours (we're estimating 3-5 minutes per site). Please wear a mask and practice safe social distancing as you explore Salem!

Salem is walkable

First off, Salem is super walkable. You can absolutely take some form of public transportation into the city and then walk the rest. Most attractions are within a reasonable distance so it shouldn't be a problem on foot, honestly.

Best known for the infamous 1692 Salem witch trials, the town Salem, Massachusetts, draws millions of visitors from near and far each year. Thanks to centuries worth of haunted lore, booking a trip to Salem during spooky season — known to locals as Haunted Happenings — may be at the top of the list for many travelers.

Salem is prominently known as the home of the Oregon State Capitol, a symbol of the state's governance and political center. The Capitol building, with its distinctive golden pioneer statue on top, is a historic and architectural landmark in the heart of Salem.

Evidence points to several factors that may have contributed to the mass hysteria: “An influx of refugees from King William's War with French colonists, a recent smallpox epidemic, the threat of attack from Native Americans, a growing rivalry with the neighboring seaport of Salem Town, and the simmering tensions ...

Salem is a beautiful seaside town with excellent food, beautiful architecture, stunning hotels, and bed and breakfasts. October is prime time to visit, with the Haunted Happenings celebration in full swing. Parades, film nights, haunted houses… and huge crowds might be your thing.

Modern theories about what was afflicting the girls have ranged from epilepsy to boredom to ergot poisoning. But most experts agree that these causes alone can't be attributed to the girls' anguish. Baker says it's possible that a few of the accusers were purposefully faking their symptoms.

Travel north of Boston to the historic seaside city of Salem, best known for its 17th-century witchcraft hysteria. A scenic drive through Salem takes you along Chestnut Street, often labeled the most beautiful street in America for its unrivaled examples of Federal architecture.

What is the best time to visit Salem, MA? ›

The best time to visit Salem is September through November.

The clothes you pack for Salem should always be comfy and easy to travel with. No matter the season, you will want to pack layers as there can be some cold weather in New England sometimes. Think sweaters, cardigans, or even a heavy winter coat if you visit during winter.

Witch House was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is one of the few structures you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.

There are only four rooms to see but even if you only read half the plaques in the house, it'll take you at least 15 minutes.

Walking along the Heritage Trail is easy, just follow the yellow line! We started our walk near North Washington Square, where stands the statue of Roger Conant, founder of Salem. Salem was founded in 1626, on a peninsula called Naumkeag by the First Nations who lived there when European settlers arrived.

The county's natural features include six rivers, more than 34,000 acres of meadow and marshland, tidal and freshwater wetlands, 40 lakes and ponds, beaches, expansive woodlands, a critical underground aquifer, numerous streams, and important headwaters.

Salem was first settled in 1626 by Roger Conant and his associates who came from a fishing settlement at Cape Ann, four years before the settlement of Boston. The first colony of settlers arrived in 1628 under the leadership of Captain John Endicott. The Indian name for the locality was Naumkeag.