SALEM, Mass. — A team of researchers using historical documents and 21st-century archaeological techniques has confirmed the exact site where 19 innocent people were hanged during the Salem witch trials more than three centuries ago.
One of the researchers is Salem State University history professor Emerson Baker, who said the site is a small city-owned plot of woods nestled between two residential streets and behind a Walgreens pharmacy.
Another historian had pinpointed the site about a century ago, but his findings were lost to time.
Baker said verifying the site is important so people don't forget the tragedy of the 1692 witch trials.
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said the city plans to put up a tasteful memorial at the site, which is known as Proctor's Ledge and is surrounded by private homes.