Connecticut's Forgotten Witch Trials

In 1647, Alse Young became the first person executed for witchcraft in the American colonies, hanged in Hartford, Connecticut — a chilling start to a dark chapter that would unfold across the state. While Salem gets most of the attention, Connecticut’s witch trials ran from 1647 to 1663, claiming at least 11 lives out of 46 accused, with a 100% conviction rate before 1654. Backed by a 1642 law citing biblical authority, witchcraft became a capital offense, targeting women who deviated from rigid Puritan norms. Notable cases like Mary Johnson, who confessed under torture, and the executions of John Carrington and Nathaniel Greensmith — along with their wives — highlight the brutality. Wethersfield, dubbed “Wethersfield Witches,” was especially devastated. Though Salem had more accusations, Connecticut’s trials were far deadlier. Reforms later introduced by Governor John Winthrop Jr. made convictions harder, and today, efforts like the Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project seek to restore justice to the wrongfully accused. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ecaa4f4a587a9c2d