The Connecticut Witch Trials

The Connecticut Witch Trials began in 1647 and did not end until 1697, four years after the end of the Salem Witch Trials. In addition, accusations persisted after legal witch trials ended, resulting in suits for slander and defamation well into the 18th century. With more than 20 episodes published on the topic so far, Witch Hunt podcast presents the most extensive coverage of witch trials in Connecticut of any format. See also our sibling site, connecticutwitchtrials.org for a great deal more written information.

1647 through 1654: The Connecticut Witch Trials Start

Alice Young was the first victim of the Connecticut Witch Trials. The Windsor woman was hanged in Hartford on May 26, 1647. Her execution pre-dated any other in the New England colonies. Indeed, she is the first known witch trial victim in all of British North America. Note, though, that fires and floods have destroyed many colonial records. We will never know the true extent of witch trials in Connecticut or elsewhere.

Next, a court convicted Mary Johnson, the second victim of the Connecticut Witch Trials, on December 7, 1648. Contrary to legend, she did not get a reprieve due to pregnancy. The court did not give her child to a jailkeeper. In fact, she did not have any known children. This misconception was introduced by a 19th-century writer who conflated Mary Johnson and another woman, Goodwife Elizabeth Johnson, who was convicted of an unknown crime in 1650.

The Connecticut Witch Trials continued apace for several years with no signs of slowing. Three more individuals were hanged for witchcraft in 1651, Joan and John Carrington and Goody Bassett. In 1653, Goody Knapp was hanged. Also in 1653, Elizabeth Godman was brought to court in New Haven Colony (which had not yet merged with Connecticut). She was admonished to behave and mind her own business. Unfortunately, the case set a precedent for future accusations against her.

In 1654, Lydia Gilbert was hanged in Hartford for allegedly enchanting a gun three years before. She was the 7th person presented on charges of witchcraft in Connecticut colony. She was the 7th person hanged for witchcraft in Connecticut colony. Thus, the Connecticut Witch Trials started off with an emphasis on convictions. New Haven officials exercised a great deal more caution in their handling of Elizabeth Godman.

1655 to 1661: Moderation in Prosecutions for Witchcraft

In 1655, New Haven banished Goodwife and Nicholas Bailey of New Haven for witchcraft.

Also in 1655, New Haven again brought Elizabeth Godman to court on witchcraft accusations. She is examined, jailed briefly, and ultimately released after paying a bond for good behavior.

Connecticut charged Elizabeth Garlick of Easthampton (then governed by Connecticut) with witchcraft in 1658.

For 1659, the records show that someone accused an unnamed person in Saybrook of witchcraft.

Saybrook couple Margaret and Nicholas Jennings faced accusations in 1661. The jury did not reach a decision, so the couple was freed.

1662 to 1665: America’s First Witch Panic in Hartford, Connecticut

While Winthrop Jr. was in London attempting to acquire a new charter to make the colony of Connecticut official, the Hartford Witch Panic broke out. Captain John Mason stood in as governor while Winthrop was away, and with Mason serving in that role, 13 trials were conducted, with two certain executions, two probable executions, and about half a dozen escapes, in the years 1662 to 1665.

(more coming very soon, we promise)

Connecticut’s General Assembly absolved those accused of witchcraft in colonial Connecticut on May 25, 2023. The Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project, CT WITCH Memorial, and many others are working now to preserve and honor the memory of the victims.