Time+Line

Time Frame
The first accusations of witchcraft that prompted the Salem witch trials began in February 1692. The first three women to stand accused, Sarah Goode, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba, were questioned March 1, 1692 and sent to jail. Throughout March 1692, four more women would be accused of witchcraft and jailed pending a hearing. In April 1692, 24 more arrests were made. Only one person was released when accusers refused to assert that he had afflicted them. On May 27, 1692 a Special Court of Oyer and Terminer was created to hear the cases of the imprisoned and accused witches. On June 2, 1692 the Special Court convened and began to hear cases. Five women were executed, including Sarah Goode, on July 19, 1692. The Special Court was dismissed in October 1692, but the trials continued. Near the end of April 1693, the last five accused stood trial and found not guilty, ending the trials.