Witchy Roots: How the Salem Witch Trials Still Haunt Our Stories

There’s something about witches that never stops fascinating us—especially young readers. Maybe it’s the mystery, the magic, or the thrill of the forbidden. But for many of us who grew up in New England, the story of witches starts in one very real, very eerie place: Salem, Massachusetts.

I still remember my first visit to Salem as a kid. The cobblestone streets, the crooked old houses, the smell of salt in the air—it felt like stepping into a ghost story. And in a way, it was.

The Real Witch Trials

In 1692, the town of Salem was gripped by fear. A group of young girls claimed to be afflicted by witches, and their accusations spiraled into one of the most infamous episodes of mass hysteria in American history. Over 200 people were accused of witchcraft. Nineteen were hanged. One man was pressed to death with stones.

The trials were fueled by fear, superstition, and a strict Puritan belief system that saw the Devil lurking behind every misfortune. People believed witches could:

Curse crops or livestock with a glance,
Fly through the night on broomsticks or with the help of familiars,
Cause illness or bad luck through spells or “witch’s marks.”

It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel—but it was all too real.

Salem’s Spooky Legacy

Today, Salem embraces its haunted history. You can visit the Witch House, the only building still standing with direct ties to the trials. Or walk through the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, where the names of the accused are etched in stone.

But what’s most fascinating is how this dark chapter in history continues to inspire fiction—especially for young readers.

Why It Captivates Kids

Witchcraft in middle grade fiction often blends the spooky with the empowering. Unlike the tragic figures of 1692, today’s fictional witches are often clever, brave, and misunderstood—just like many kids feel growing up.

Books like The House with a Clock in Its Walls, The Witches by Roald Dahl, or The Witch of Blackbird Pond take that eerie New England atmosphere and turn it into something magical. They show that what makes you different might also make you powerful.

And let’s be honest—there’s something thrilling about a world where a dusty old book might hold a spell, or a black cat might be more than it seems.

From History to Imagination

As a writer, I love weaving threads of real history into my stories. The Salem Witch Trials remind us that fear can be dangerous—but imagination can be powerful. And for young readers, that’s a spell worth casting.

Thanks for reading!

If you’re a fellow writer, reader, or witch, I’d love to hear: What are your book recommendations for young readers interested in witchy tales?