Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Old Witch Gaol
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024
1. Old Witch Gaol Marker
Abandoned 1813
Razed 1956
In 1692, during the Salem Witch Trials, many of the accused were imprisoned here.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1692.
Location. 42° 31.401′ N, 70° 53.634′ W. Marker is in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It is on Federal Street west of St Peter Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Federal St, Salem MA 01970, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’ North Shore, in Greater Boston, and in the Merrimack Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Birthplace of Brigadier General John Glover (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Peter's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Stephen Abbott Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lyceum Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Armory Park (about 600 feet away); Second Corps of Cadets (about 600 feet away); Colonial Militia (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
Also see . . . Salem Jail in 1692, Site of. In 1692, the Salem jail was located on Prison Lane, today known as St. Peter Street. The building, at
this page online
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024
2. Old Witch Gaol Marker
Nelson Dionne Salem History Collection, Salem State University Archives (CC BY 2.0)
3. Old Witch Jail and Dungeon
Picture postcards of the old gaol, which owners Alfred Goodall and his wife turned into a tourist attraction in 1935. Goodall's grandfather, Abner Cheney Goodall, had purchased the jail site and turned it into a home in 1863.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 454 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
