Old Burying Point
I thought I would kick off a several posts-long series devoted to one of my favorite historical American towns – Salem, Massachusetts. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the town. Maybe, it has to do with The Witch of Backbird Pond - though, I never read the book. Salem, of course, is notorious for the events that took place in the late 17th Ccentury known as the Salem Witch Trials. Today I’m going to focus on just one of a dozen historically significant places in Salem, The Burying Point or Charter Street Cemetery.
Located on Charter Street, the cemetery has been cited as the second oldest in the United States. The Witch Trial Memorial, a low wall with the names of the accused, runs right beside the property. In fact, in looking at photos, the Memorial seems to be an extension of the cemetery retaining wall.
Buried with in the cemetery are several notables including an early governor of Massachusetts and two men who sat on the judging committee during the Trials. John Hathorne is probably the most recognizable as he was an ancestor to Nathaniel Hawthorn who, fittingly, wrote The Scarlet Letter.
Several trip planning websites mentioned the Old Burying Point as a must see site. Most visitors recommended taking a tour as to get the best out of the graveyard. The tour provides history and background behind many of those buried in the cemetery. Though, it is not recommended to visit the cemetery during October, especially on the weekends and close to Halloween. It seems this is due to so many tourists and tour groups flooding the property.
Cate–Salem is one of my favorite towns too! In fact, it features in two of my historical romances, and with any luck will feature in several more. I look forward to reading your posts!
Hi Cate–I posted my comment from another computer but it hasn’t gone through so I’ll try again–
Salem is one of my favorite places too! In fact, the city plays a role in both of my historical romances!
It has a rich and wonderful past beyond the witch trials, though the trials and their aftermath can hardly be overlooked. I’m hoping to explore more of Salem’s past in future books ( as I’ve said before I’m fascinated by Salem’s ship captains).
How did you discover the charms of Salem?
I absolutely love Salem, though, I’ve never been. I plan some day soon to make a trip. Salem is actually in my novel, though, my characters live in a made-up town north of Salem (actually I combined Wenham and Rockport, Mass to fit my setting for my book better).
You should make a post on Salem, too!!
Good article, Cate! I also find Salem’s history interesting, but when I went there many moons ago, it was so touristy it turned me off. Nothing like taking a vicious thing like ‘the burning times’ and turning it into gift shops and tourist attractions. Ugh. I had hoped to find paranormal evidence of ghosts (since I’m also an amateur paranormal researcher), but nada. Not even a blip. I suppose that is a good thing though. It hopefully means everyone went into the light and didn’t stick around.
I get the occasional invite to the annual Witches Ball, but have never went. No time and no money. If I had both, I’d probably go to RT or RWA Nationals instead. lol.
Thanks Cassandra. I love Salem, and I had heard it had become VERY touristy. I think Stonehenge it like that, too. I think if i were to visit it would be off season – not October – to get a better feel for how Old Salem is.
Oh and definitely spend some money on RT or RWA! RT has so many dress up balls that that would be worth the money.
Definitely don’t visit Salem in October! The summer is a lovely time to visit. It is a a bit touristy but there is a lot worth seeing–the Peabody Essex Museum is a gem of a museum that was founded by the ship’s captains in the early part of the nineteenth century to house their collections– in the last few years it has undergone extensive renovations; Hawthorne’s House of the Seven Gables; the restored dock area. I sound like a tour guide! Cate, I look forward to hearing more about your novel!
I LOVE that you mentioned the Peabody Essex Museum – I use it in my story – though I might have take a bit of liberty with it – I added an adjacent archives/library to it. That may change though it future edits. But for now my heroine goes into hte library looking for clues to an old legend.
Cate–there is a library affiliated with the PEM! I think it’s called the Phillips Library. I haven’t been there, but I’m sure you can find information about it online. There are a few recent histories about Salem that talk about people and legends too.