The Salem witchcraft trial of 1878, also known as the Ipswich witchcraft trial and the second Salem witch trial, was an American civil case held in May 1878 in Salem, Massachusetts, in which Lucretia L. S. Brown, an adherent of the Christian Science religion, accused fellow Christian Scientist Daniel H. Spofford of attempting to harm her through his "mesmeric" mental powers. By 1918, it was considered the last witchcraft trial held in the United States. The case garnered significant attention for its startling claims and the fact that it took place in Salem, the scene of the 1692 Salem witch trials. The judge dismissed the case.
The last witchcraft trial in the United States opened in Salem, Massachusetts.
On May 14, in the year 1878, The last witchcraft trial in the United States opened in Salem, Massachusetts. This event is recorded as a Selected Events event in the history of May 14, a notable event in this corner of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 14, 1878 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Selected Events event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 2 Wikipedia articles.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 30 March 2026.
On This Date in History
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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