Founding Families of Salem
Salem, Massachusetts, in the 1600s, was a period marked by its founding, development, and the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Established in 1626 by a group of fishermen from Cape Ann led by Roger Conant, Salem is one of the most significant early settlements in New England. Originally named Naumkeag, it was soon renamed Salem, derived from the Hebrew word for peace. In 1628, a group led by John Endecott arrived, sent by the Massachusetts Bay Company, which significantly boosted the settlement's growth. Endecott, often considered the first governor of Massachusetts, played a crucial role in the early development of Salem. The town quickly became an important port and trading center, known for its fishing, shipbuilding, and commerce. The Puritan influence was strong in Salem, shaping much of its society and governance. The community was deeply religious, with strict adherence to Puritan beliefs and practices. This religious fervor, combined with social tensions, economic stresses, and fears of the unknown, set the stage for the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. By the end of the 1600s, Salem had begun to move past the Witch Trials. It continued to grow as a significant seaport, laying the foundation for its evolution into a major American city. The legacy of this era, particularly the Witch Trials, remains a critical part of Salem's identity and continues to attract interest and study.Matches 1 to 1 of 1 » See Gallery
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| 1 | | Map of Salem Village in 1692 This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 70 years or fewer. |
| Linked to | Salem, Essex, Massachusetts, USA, CLARKE, William, GOULD, Priscilla, HATHORNE, John, PAINE, Thomas, POTTER, Nicholas, PUTNAM, John, PUTNAM, Sarah |