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On this day in 1692, the first execution of the Salem Witch Trials took place
June 10, 2023
An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 10 of June, repeating indefinitely
On this day in 1692, the first execution of the Salem Witch Trials took place as Bridget Bishop was hanged in Salem, Massachusetts. She was the first of 19 people (5 men and 14 women) to be executed during this dark chapter of American history.
Did you know? Bridget Bishop was not the first to be accused during the hysteria. It is believed she was chosen for the first conviction because of her reputation – she had previously been accused of witchcraft and had had an abusive relationship with her second husband. Bishop claimed innocence until her death.
She was one of the last of the accused to be exonerated by Massachusetts legislation in 2001.
The Witches, Walter MacEwen, c. 1893
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