Giles Corey

There is no statue of Giles Corey, who was one of those who were falsely accused of being witches in 1692.  Corey was one of the six men to be executed during the Salem witch trials. 

He steadfastly refused to submit himself to a trial which, he knew, had already determined his guilt. 

  He was tortured by having heavy stones piled up on his chest for two days until he died. 

  His last words, uttered defiantly as he refused to enter a plea, were, "More weight!"  This act remains a powerful symbol of resistance.

  

 In the entire history of the United States, Giles Corey is the only person ever to be pressed to death by order of a court. 

 

 

 

 

 

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