Boston Witchcraft Tour

Boston Witchcraft Tour: A Journey Through Colonial Fear and Folklore

If you’re curious about Boston’s lesser-known history—specifically its dark, witchy past—you’ll find this Boston Witchcraft Tour to be a surprisingly captivating experience. Priced at $30 per person and lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, it takes you through the city’s historic sites, discussing the accusations, trials, and executions that scarred colonial Boston. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a detailed look at how fears of witchcraft shaped the city and spilled over into the neighboring Salem hysteria.

Two aspects stand out immediately: first, the tour’s focus on local stories, like that of Goody Glover, the last woman executed for witchcraft in Massachusetts before the Salem trials, and second, the tour’s ability to connect Boston’s witchcraft accusations to broader 17th-century religious and social tensions. It’s a rare chance to see the city’s filigree of history intertwined with superstition.

One possible consideration is that the tour covers about two miles of walking, so it’s better suited for those comfortable with some moderate physical activity. If you’re wary of walking or have mobility issues, it’s worth noting the distance and the historical sites involved.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, those intrigued by colonial crimes, and anyone eager to understand the roots of the infamous Salem trials, which had echoes in Boston’s own witchcraft accusations. It’s especially fitting if you appreciate a narrative that combines solid historical detail with a touch of storytelling humor—our guide, Meg, got a special mention for her knowledge and humor.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Stories: The tour focuses on Boston’s own witch trials and related figures like Goody Glover and Reverend Cotton Mather.
• Historical Context: It connects Boston’s witchcraft accusations to larger colonial fears and religious tensions.
• Rich Site Visits: Stops include cemeteries, historic jail sites, and landmarks like the State House and Paul Revere House.
• Balanced Length: At just under two hours, it offers a deep dive without overwhelming your schedule.
• Knowledgeable Guides: The feedback highlights the guides’ expertise and ability to make history both interesting and humorous.
• Walking Experience: About two miles, so comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended.

Introduction and First Impressions

Starting at the Massachusetts State House, the tour immediately immerses you in Boston’s political and historical landscape. While the building itself is grand, it’s the stories that unfold during the walk that truly make this experience worthwhile. Our guide, whose name isn’t specified but who clearly knew her stuff, began by setting the scene: Boston’s early colonial fears and how accusations of witchcraft played into broader societal anxieties.

The small group size—capped at 35 participants—helps keep the experience intimate, making it easier for everyone to ask questions and engage with the stories. For just $30, this tour packs a punch with its blend of historic site visits, storytelling, and contextual explanations.

Why This Tour Works Well

Two standout elements make this tour a real gem. First, the narrative focus on local figures, such as Goody Glover, who was the last woman executed for witchcraft in Massachusetts, and Reverend Cotton Mather, a pivotal figure in the witch trials. Learning about Glover’s story—she was accused during the 1680s and executed in 1688—brings the past vividly to life. The guide’s storytelling made the history personal, helping us visualize the fears and superstitions of the time.

Second, the tour’s detailed visits to cemeteries and historic sites—like the Granary Burying Ground and King’s Chapel Burying Ground—add a tangible connection to history. Walking through these old graveyards, we saw the resting places of figures linked to the witch trials, including those who accused or were accused. One reviewer praised the guide for her “abundance of historical knowledge” and her ability to make the stories both educational and entertaining.

A Potential Drawback

If you’re not comfortable walking longer distances or standing for periods, this might be a consideration, as the route covers about two miles. Some sites, like the jail where accused witches were imprisoned and died, are not just footnotes but part of the immersive experience. Wearing comfortable shoes and preparing for a 1.5-hour stroll will make it more enjoyable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

History enthusiasts, particularly those interested in early colonial America, religious conflicts, or the witch hysteria period, will find this tour rewarding. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy walking through historic neighborhoods and learning stories that aren’t usually in guidebooks. Families with older children and those who appreciate guided storytelling will likely appreciate the mix of facts and folklore.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Massachusetts State House

This is the meeting point and the first glimpse of Boston’s political history. The guide explained the significance of the building and set a historical tone, providing a foundation for understanding Boston’s colonial mindset.

Stop 2: Statue of Mary Dyer

Here, we learned about Mary Dyer, a Quaker who defied Puritan laws and was executed for her beliefs. Her story highlights the intolerance of the time, which fed into fears of witchcraft as a form of heresy. The free-standing statue visually anchors her story, making it more real.

Stop 3: Anne Hutchinson Statue

Discussing Hutchinson’s role in the Antinomian Controversy, this stop links religious dissent with societal upheaval, showing how differences of belief sometimes led to accusations and persecution—parallel themes that resonate with witchcraft fears.

Stop 4: Boston Common

A historic site for many protests and events, here the guide explained some of Boston’s Colonial-era happenings, setting the scene for the witch trials’ climate of suspicion and social tension.

Stop 5: Park Street

This stop focuses on a woman accused of witchcraft in 1688, connecting the past accusations directly to specific local stories. The guide’s narrative brought her story alive, emphasizing how accusations could arise in everyday settings.

Stop 6 & 7: Granary and King’s Chapel Burying Grounds

These cemeteries are packed with notable burials connected to the witch trials. As we wandered among graves, our guide pointed out figures linked to the trials and explained their significance, giving a haunting sense of history.

Stop 8: Pemberton Square

Here, we discussed Reverend Cotton Cotton and his role in the Antinomian Controversy, as well as Roger Williams, who opposed some of the Puritan strictness. These stories help explain the climate of fear and suspicion culminating in witch accusations.

Stop 9: Court Street

This site was home to the old jail, where accused witches were imprisoned and sometimes died. Standing there, you get a real sense of the harsh realities faced by those accused.

Stop 10: Union Street

Discussing Chief Justice William Stoughton, who presided over many witch trials, this stop ties together the judicial authority involved in these dark events. The guide highlighted how figures like Stoughton influenced the course of history.

Stop 11: The Paul Revere House

Finally, a visit to Revere’s historic home, where Increase Mather—a key figure in Boston’s witchcraft trials—lived and preached. The guide shared stories of Mather’s influence and how his criticisms of the trials contrasted with his family members’ roles.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $30, this tour offers a focused, well-researched exploration of a lesser-known but fascinating part of Boston’s history. Compared to other tour options—some of which may be longer or more expensive—this one delivers great value through its detailed stories and accessible walking route. The inclusion of cemetery visits and historic sites enhances the experience, making history feel alive rather than abstract.

The Sum Up

This Boston Witchcraft Tour strikes a nice balance between storytelling, site visits, and historical context. It’s particularly perfect for travelers who want an authentic, engaging narrative without the fluff, and who enjoy walking through historic neighborhoods. The guide’s knowledge and humor bring the stories to life, making the history memorable.

If you’re interested in the more shadowy side of Boston’s past and want to learn about the witch trials from a local perspective, this tour is an excellent choice. It also offers a chance to reflect on how fear and social upheaval can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes—lessons that still resonate today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering roughly two miles of walking.

What sites are included?
Stops include historic cemeteries, the State House, the jail site, and the Paul Revere House, among others.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While generally suitable for older children and adults, the walking distance may be challenging for those with mobility issues or fatigue.

How much walking is involved?
Expect about two miles of walking, mostly at a moderate pace with some standing at sites.

Are tickets included?
The tour price of $30 covers the guide. Site admissions like the Paul Revere House are not included.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellations are available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who leads the tour?
The specific guide isn’t named, but reviews highlight guides’ knowledgeability and humor, making the experience enjoyable and educational.

This tour offers a lively, fact-based window into Boston’s colonial fears and social tensions that fueled witchcraft accusations. For those eager to experience the city’s darker history stories and see key historic sites, it’s a memorable, worthwhile journey.