More than 300 years ago, a series of strange events struck local farmers.
Cotton plants withered. Cows' milk dried up. Husbands' eyes wandered from their wives.
Who was to blame? According to the local women, Grace Sherwood.
The farmer's wife knew a little too much about herbs, was a little too pretty and wore clothing that was a little too tight, according to local historians. So they accused her of witchcraft.
A judge ordered Sherwood to be tried by ducking. So on July 10, 1706, with her thumbs tied to her big toes, Sherwood was ducked in the Lynnhaven River.
The street leading to her ducking spot now carries her legend as Witchduck Road.
"It's named after Grace Sherwood's ducking," said local historian Deni Norred, who co- wrote "Ghosts, Witches and Weird Tales of Virginia Beach." "She was the first person tried by water in Virginia for witchcraft."
Sherwood escaped her bonds and swam to safety, which the court considered proof of her devilish dealings. The day's wisdom dictated that an innocent woman would have sunk, Norred said.
Sherwood served several years in jail before returning to her three sons. She lived to be nearly 80 and died at her farm in Pungo around 1740.
Witchduck Road isn't the only landmark named after Sherwood or her trial. There's also Witch Duck Bay, Witch Duck Point, Witch Point Trail and Sherwood Lane.
Three years ago, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine exonerated Sherwood. A bronze statue at Sentara Bayside Hospital, located on the corner of Independence Boulevard and North Witchduck Road, honors her legend.
But according to local stories, that legend isn't quite over. Some say Sherwood returns to visit her ducking spot every July and can be seen as a spot of light dancing on Witch Duck Bay.
This story includes information from the books "Bayside History Trail: A View from the Water," "Haunted Virginia Beach," "Ghosts, Witches and Weird Tales of Virginia Beach" and "Gone... but Not Forgotten, Virginia Beach."
Kathy Adams, (757) 222-5155, kathy.adams@pilotonline.com
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Pleasure House Road
Very interesting article...for those who've asked they did an article on Pleasure House Road already last year...
http://hamptonroads.com/2007/07/whats-name-pleasure-house-road-virginia-beach
VERY INTERESTING
I too, have heard the story of how WitchDuck got the name. I'm like guns-n-moses, How did Pleasure House Road come to be named? I have my theory!
Too Cool!
I'm way up here in Maryland but my daughter lives just off Witchduck Rd. I always wondered why the strange name.
Witchduck Inn
When I first heard the story, many years ago, the word 'witchduck' was derived from 'witch dunk'. Suspected witches were dunked in the water. Nevertheless, it is a strange and facinating part of our heritage.
I agree - it was a fun read.
I agree - it was a fun read. I must say though, to live to be nearly 80 in the 16/1700's? I think she really might HAVE been a witch. Lol.
I want to see.....
The next "What's in a name" article to be about the origins of Pleasure House Road in Virginia Beach.
Good Story
"More than 300 years ago, a series of strange events struck local farmers.
Cotton plants withered. Cows' milk dried up. Husbands' eyes wandered from their wives.
Who was to blame? According to the local women, Grace Sherwood."
See now we have the great Al Gore to tell us the real blame is global warming.
reruns are great
Especially for those of us that don't recall seeing it last year or truly didn't see it at all for various reasons (didn't live here, didn't have time to microscope the paper, etc).
A good, clean, true story-I love it!
Reruns
Although an interesting story, it ran last year. The wording may have been different, but it was based on the same street name.
Rich history
Great stuff! History comes in all shapes and sizes.Please continue with the "names".
How Ironic
I was visiting my hometown this past weekend and happened to be on Independence Blvd near Sentara Bayside. While at the stop light, I looked at the very statue mentioned in the story and wondered what the story was for having the statue and the reason behind the name of Witchduck Rd. Never in a million years would I have guessed that I'd have an answer this quick. Thanks VP for the info, very interesting.
Excellent story! These
Excellent story! These local history stories are greatly appreciated.