After Centuries, Connecticut Pardons Victims that Were Convicted and Executed of Witchcraft

Many are familiar with the witch trials that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts, but four decades prior to these witch trials, there was panic about witchcraft in Hartford, Connecticut. In fact, the first person ever executed in America for witchcraft occurred in Hartford. This individual was Alse (Alice) Young who was a resident of Windsor, Connecticut and was hanged in May of 1647 at the gallows of Hartford. The last witchcraft trial in Connecticut was in 1697 and witchcraft continued to be a capital offense until 1750. In the seventeenth century, 34 victims were indicted on witchcraft charges and 11 were hanged.

While it is clear that these charges and damages cannot be undone, at least Connecticut is taking action to acknowledge the wrongs these victims faced due to the witch trials. Connecticut is owning its history and trying to ensure no further damage occurs to those related to the victims.

The Witch, No. 1, c. 1892 lithograph by Joseph E. Baker