The Statue of Grace Sherwood, Virginia Beach

The Statue of Grace Sherwood in Virginia Beach stands as a symbolic tribute to one of Virginia’s most fascinating and misunderstood historical figures. Known as the “Witch of Pungo,” Grace Sherwood was a midwife, herbalist, and farmer accused of witchcraft in the early 18th century. In 1706, she was subjected to a “trial by water” in the Lynnhaven River—an infamous ordeal during which she was thrown into the water to see if she would float, a supposed sign of guilt. She survived, but her reputation suffered for years, leaving her story an enduring legend along the coast.

The bronze statue, created by artist Robert G. Cunningham, was dedicated in 2007 near Sentara Bayside Hospital, not far from the very waters where Grace underwent her trial. Standing with a basket of herbs and a small raccoon at her side, the statue portrays Sherwood as a healer and a woman in tune with nature rather than a figure of superstition. Its design reflects a reappraisal of her life, emphasizing compassion, wisdom, and resilience.

For visitors, the monument offers a tangible connection to Virginia’s colonial past and the period’s harsh treatment of independent-minded women. It also represents the city’s effort to restore Sherwood’s good name, officially cleared by the state of Virginia in 2006, three centuries after her ordeal.

Surrounded by landscaped greenery, the statue invites quiet reflection and serves as a reminder of the human cost of fear and prejudice. Today, Grace Sherwood’s story endures not as one of condemnation, but of vindication and enduring strength.