Witch of Pungo

Like I previously mentioned, the history is so rich here in eastern VA. Some spectacular, a lot disheartening, all fascinating. Not long after we moved here, I learned of a local lady by the name of Grace Sherwood. She lived in the area during the turn of the 18th century, and became well known by the unfortunate event of being one of the last people in Virginia to be convicted of witchcraft. She and her husband were farmers in the area of Virginia Beach known as Pungo, and Grace was well versed in the use of herbs and had a huge love for animals. For years, several neighbors accused her of using spells to kill livestock, damage crops, and even cause the miscarriage of a neighboring woman. In 1706, shortly after her husband passed, she was ducked (the term used at the time for seeing if a witch sinks or floats in water; if she sinks, she's innocent, if she floats, guilty. Guess which one happened to Grace), tried, convicted and served the next 8 years in prison. Upon her release, she managed to regain her farm where she lived until her death in 1740 at the age of 80.
In 2006, Governor Kaine granted an official pardon for her name, stating that she was wrongfully convicted. A beautiful statue of Grace was erected on the corner of Independence Blvd and Witchduck Rd, near the site of the courthouse where she was tried.
Many stories and legends exist of the Witch of Pungo, but in truth she was an innocent lady who loved nature and lived during a darker time.