North Virginia Beach , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Grace Sherwood
(1660 - 1730)
— Virginia Beach, 2007 —
Photographed By Kevin W., July 20, 2010
1. Grace Sherwood Marker
Inscription.
Grace Sherwood. Sherwood lived in Princess Anne County from the latter 1600’s until the 1730’s, an era when many American colonists believed in witchcraft as a way to explain unusual events. Sherwood submitted to a trial by water, a "witch ducking," in 1706, because of charges that her behavior disrupted the lives of her neighbors. Although found guilty of witchcraft, her life was spared, and she was pardoned formally by the governor of Virginia 300 years later in 2006. She was Virginia’s only convicted witch tried by water. Witchduck Road and Witchduck Point contribute to preserving her story.
Sherwood lived in Princess Anne County from the latter 1600’s until the 1730’s, an era when many American colonists believed in witchcraft as a way to explain unusual events. Sherwood submitted to a trial by water, a "witch ducking," in 1706, because of charges that her behavior disrupted the lives of her neighbors. Although found guilty of witchcraft, her life was spared, and she was pardoned formally by the governor of Virginia 300 years later in 2006. She was Virginia’s only convicted witch tried by water. Witchduck Road and Witchduck Point contribute to preserving her story.
Erected 2007 by the Fifth Grade Classes of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools in recognition of the 400th Anniversary of Virginia Beach.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Women. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Legends Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1706.
Location. 36° 50.499′ N, 75° 58.413′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in North Virginia Beach. Marker is on Atlantic Avenue just south of 14th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1304 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach VA 23451, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this
The marker can be seen on the inside of the entrance gateway to the Virginia Legends Walk. An identical marker is on the other entrance as well.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2021, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
