Recently, Mike Sigmon took a Diamond Bus tour sponsored by the City of Hickory Senior Center up to the Northeast, where he visited Salem, Gloucester, and Rockport.

Salem receives around 2 million visitors per year, with 1.5 million coming in the month of October.

Salem was the scene of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, which occurred between February 1692 and May of the following year. Over 200 people were accused, and 30 were found guilty. 19 were executed by hanging, and one died under torture as he did not enter a plea, and was crushed.

During this period of time, a prominent magistrate was named John Hathorne, who is a direct ancestor of the famous writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. Nathaniel likely added the “W” to his last name to distance himself from the legacy. This burden is thought to have influenced some of his works, such as The Scarlet Letter.

Mike visited the House of the Seven Gables, a 1668 mansion made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel The House with Seven Gables. The book was inspired by the name more so than the house itself. At the time Hawthorne visited the house, renovations had eliminated most of the gables, but he was able to see the hidden trusses of the covered gables.  Its grounds are now a museum that also features the house, which is the birthplace of Hawthorne, relocated adjacent to this site. 

Mike also visited Gloucester, Massachusetts, America’s oldest seaport, known for its vibrant arts scene and deep ties to the fishing industry. It’s located on Cape Ann, on Massachusetts' north shore, about 30 miles northeast of Boston. The famous Fisherman’s Memorial monument is here. Rockport is nearby and is also known for its fishing fleet and arts scene. 

Mike enjoyed the trip, and the history of the area. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to him at (404) 277-7369.