Why Connecticut is exonerating witches

Little-known victims of witch trials may finally receive justice

An accused witch going through the judgement trial, where she is dunked in water to prove her guilt of practicing witchcraft. — Image: Getty Images

Mar 2nd 2023|HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT

IN 1642 COLONIAL Connecticut adopted a list of 12 capital crimes, which included murder, kidnapping, treason—and witchcraft. Five years later Alse Young was the first person recorded in colonial America to be executed for the crime of witchcraft. On May 26th 1647 she was hanged on the grounds of the Hartford meeting house, now the site of Old State House. Ten other people were executed for witchcraft in Connecticut and more than 30 people were indicted for it between 1647 and 1697. More than 375 years after Young was executed, her absolution may be nigh.

This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Damned Yankees ”