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One of the darkest chapters of early American history is that of the Salem witch trials, a topic scholars and popular culture have explored thoroughly, but one question always remained: Where was the X that marked the spot where the actual hangings took place?

Thanks to small details drawn from scant eye witness testimony and the input of a geographic information specialist, a group of seven scholars pinpointed the area as Proctor’s Ledge on Gallows Hill.

Much of what they based their research on was the century-old work of historian Sidney Perley, but modern technology lent a much-needed hand when it came to narrowing down the options.

No human remains were found in the area, nor was evidence of any structure, so it’s assumed the hangings took place from a large tree, which, of course, can’t help but make us think of a recent movie song:

Full story at Salem News.

Dark chapters of history.

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