Witchduck Point facts for kids
| Date | 10 July 1706 |
|---|---|
| Location | Witchduck, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA |
| Participants | Grace Sherwood, Virginia State Authorities |
Witchduck Point is a special place in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is known because of a woman named Grace Sherwood. In 1706, Grace Sherwood faced a "trial by water" at this spot. People at the time thought she might be a witch. This event happened on July 10, 1706. Today, Witchduck Point is part of the Witchduck neighborhood in Virginia Beach.
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Who Was Grace Sherwood?
Grace Sherwood was a woman who lived in colonial Virginia. She was a farmer and a healer. She was also a mother. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, some people in the colonies believed in witchcraft. They thought certain people had evil powers.
Grace Sherwood was accused of being a witch several times. These accusations came from her neighbors. They blamed her for things like sick animals or bad crops. These were common fears during that time.
The Trial by Water
In 1706, Grace Sherwood was brought to court. The court decided she would go through a "trial by water." This was a very old way to decide if someone was guilty. People believed that pure water would reject a witch.
On July 10, 1706, Grace Sherwood was taken to Witchduck Point. Her hands and feet were tied together. She was then lowered into the water. If she floated, people thought she was a witch. If she sank, she was considered innocent. However, sinking often meant drowning.
Grace Sherwood floated in the water. Because of this, the court believed she was a witch. She was then taken to jail. We do not know exactly what happened to her after that. She was likely released later. She lived for many more years and owned land.
Witchcraft Beliefs in History
Belief in witchcraft was common in many parts of the world. This was especially true in Europe and America centuries ago. People often did not understand diseases or bad luck. They sometimes blamed these things on witches.
Witch trials were a way for courts to deal with these fears. Many innocent people were accused. The trials often used strange methods like the "trial by water." Today, we know that these beliefs were not based on facts.
Remembering Grace Sherwood
Grace Sherwood is an important part of Virginia's history. She is often called the "Witch of Pungo." Her story reminds us about old beliefs. It also shows how people were treated long ago.
In 2006, Virginia recognized Grace Sherwood. They gave her a special pardon. This pardon said she was innocent. It was a way to correct a past mistake. Her story helps us learn about justice and history.
