Bellerica, Massachusetts

Bellerica is the small farming community where the Carrier family lives in Massachusetts.

Andover, Massachusetts

Andover is the town where the Carrier family relocates because of the smallpox epidemic. The Carriers stay for a three-month period with Aunt and Uncle Toothaker, where they isolate themselves from the spreading physical disease to encounter a spiritual contagion in the form of witch paranoia.

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is the capitol city of Massachusetts and the location for the witch trials.

Iron Bessie

Iron Bessie is a slotted spoon Martha Carrier sometimes uses to discipline her children.

Smallpox

Smallpox is the deadly disease that sweeps the Massachusetts colony at the time of the Salem witch trials. At the time of this story there is no known treatment or prevention for the disease, before the widespread use of immunization programs. Smallpox deforms and disfigures its victims with ugly scars and usually...