-
Beginning
Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams begin to have fits and exhibit strange behavior. Soon Ann Putnam, Jr., and other Salem village girls begin displaying similar behavior. -
First Accusations
The girls accuse three women, Tituba, Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne, of witchcraft. Arrest warrants are issued for the women. -
Influence of Satan
Physicians concluded that the girls were under the influence of Satan after exhibiting strange behaviors. -
Prayer Services
Community fasting and prayer services were conducted by Reverend Samuel Paris in hopes of relieving the evil forces that plagued them in an effort to expose "witches" -
First Arrests
Bridget Bishop, Abigail Hobbs, Mary Warren and Giles Corey are accused of witchcraft by many of the Salem Village girls and arrested. -
First Execution
Bridget Bishop is hanged. Face person to be executed during the trials -
HIS WIFE
His wife, Sarah Noyes Hale, is named a witch but never formally charged or arrested -
SUPERIOR COURT
The General Court of the colony creates the Superior Court to try the remaining witchcraft cases. -
Releases
49 of the 52 remaining accused witches in jail are released because their arrests were based on spectral evidence. -
PARDONS
Governor Phips pardons the remaining accused in jail. -
HALE'S BOOK
A Modest Inquiry Into The Nature Of Witchcraft. First printed in 1702