Almost Nobody Knows That Parts Of The Iconic Movie The Crucible Were Filmed In This Tiny Massachusetts Town
Movie magic can be made anywhere, including in a small town in Massachusetts. In fact, scenes of the 1996 film The Crucible were filmed in the small Cape Ann town of Essex, specifically on Choate Island. The film was based on a play by Arthur Miller about the Salem Witch Trials. Let’s take a look at this gorgeous location that was used as a backdrop for this iconic movie.
A visit to Essex's Choate Island is like visiting another century. With historic structures and stone walls dotting the rolling hills here, it's no wonder why it was chosen as the backdrop for the film The Crucible.
Located on Choate Island is the 1778 Proctor Barn as well as the Choate family homestead (1725-1740). The island's remaining structures are a glimpse into days gone by.
The unspoiled landscape of rolling hills along with the historic structures made Choate Island the perfect place to film scenes of The Crucible. After all, this is most likely similar to what Salem looked like in the 1600s.
The Crucible takes place in 1692 during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. In this film, a Salem woman named Abigail Williams (played by Winona Ryder) accuses her ex's wife of witchcraft.
Daniel Day-Lewis was cast as John Proctor, and Joan Allen played his wife, Elizabeth Proctor. Day-Lewis actually spent a lot of time on Choate Island preparing for the role before filming started.
Overseen by The Trustees of Reservations, Choate Island is part of the Crane Wildlife Refuge. This protected land encompasses 697 acres that include historic buildings, stone walls, a salt marsh, and hiking trails. Choate Island itself is 135 acres and is a worthwhile place to explore.
Have you ever been to Essex’s Choate Island? If you have, did you feel like you entered another era? Let us know in the comments along with any other small town in Massachusetts you know was used as a location in a film. To learn more about Choate Island and the wildlife refuge it’s a part of, visit The Trustees’ website.
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
