Witch of Pungo

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Sunday night I attended an open-air 1/2 hour stage play on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk entitled 'Witch of Pungo' - the true story of the only person in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be tried and convicted of witchcraft. The players were few and props small, but the ambition was hefty. In the late 18th century a widow and mother of three small boys, Grace Sherwood, adorned a man's hat and jeans and took to the field to sow the seeds to feed her family. She also swam alone in the nearby river for enjoyment. These things were unheard of at that time! She was supposed to remarry quickly and stay inside the family home as much as possible. During the trial, one neighbor accused her of killing his crops, and another neighbor, a woman, held the widow erroneously responsible for the death of the neighbors' infant. Convicted, the widow was taken aboard a small boat into the Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach and bound for drowning. Few, if any women during those times knew how to swim, but Grace 'miraculously' floated to the top of the water. This was 'proof' that the clear waters cast out her evil. According to the law of the Commonwealth, she was remitted to prison to serve out her natural death, and her property confiscated. Seven years later, the Commonwealth outlawed witching trials, and Grace was allowed to quietly leave prison. She successfully sued the Commonwealth for the return of her property. The Commonwealth, forthwith, demanded seven years back taxes. Grace stood firm and maintained her property and dignity until her death. In 2007, over 200 years later, the Commonwealth of Virginia pardoned Grace Sherwood. A major street in Virginia Beach, Witchduck Road, is named after this historic event. The play was wonderful and the singing was beautiful and strong. The play brought to life the Witch of Pungo.