In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, witchcraft trials occurred in various parts of the American colonies, including Williamsburg, Virginia. These trials were part of a larger trend of witch hunts that took place throughout Europe and its colonies during this time period. The belief in witchcraft was deeply rooted in the minds of many colonists, particularly those of English Puritan descent. They believed that witches had made pacts with the devil and used their supernatural abilities to harm others. As a result, accusations of witchcraft often arose in times of social unrest or personal conflicts. One infamous case of witchcraft in Williamsburg occurred in 1706, when Grace Sherwood was accused of being a witch.
One infamous case of witchcraft in Williamsburg occurred in 1706, when Grace Sherwood was accused of being a witch. Sherwood was a farmer who was known for her independent and assertive nature, which made her a target of suspicion in the tight-knit community. The accusations against Sherwood included various claims of harming livestock, causing illness, and practicing black magic.
Dance Parties, Sold Out Crowds, and Magic Carpet Rides in Portland, OR!
After an insane weekend of sold-out debauchery in Colorado, we stopped in Jackson for exactly 43 hours of chill time and got back on the road – this time on our way to Portland, OR, and Seattle. We’d heard stories about ridiculous rowdiness in both cities, and we were super stoked to keep the tradition alive.
We got to Portland the evening before the show, settled down, ate some food, you know, that type of stuff. We talked about being out of the Rockies and being in a big city. There is music, plays, festivals and other movies to go up against. We wondered, "Will this be a good show. Can we rock Portland like we did in Denver and Boulder?" The next morning, we ran down to the local North Face store and were totally reassured – they had sold over 90% of their tickets and it wasn’t even noon yet. YES! (We totally sold out a couple hours later. ) We were even MORE pumped for the night’s festivities, and skipped down to the Aladdin Theater to get everything set up for the massive crowd and party.
After a quick set up (no chairs and duct tape for the projector this time), it was show time! The guys from Stevens Pass were flinging lift tickets at everyone – awesome! People were packed in the lobby to mingle and get autographs from Sammy Carlson, Dylan Hood and Dash Longe. TONS of gear was flying around the theater - A Rossignol snowboard and Salomon skis were epic big prizes along with a VIO helmet cam and a couple pairs of Oakley goggles. We haven’t seen people yell that loud for giveaways in a really long time!
And then… Re:Session! The sold-out crowd went absolutely nuts for Rachel Burkes’ front flip early on, and, from then on, it was absolute madness. People were jumping out of their seats, whistling, screaming - we had SUCH a blast, Portland was a great crowd! The night didn’t stop there, either – we danced the night away, into the morning of the Seattle premiere – thanks everyone for a killer time!
**TGR at the Aladdin Theater! And no, Jafar didn't get a ticket, it sold out way before he got there.**
**Sold-out house at the Aladdin!**
**Gear Huckage. YES!**
**Dash Longe signs his life away.**
**Stevens Pass lift tickets were flowing! We're stoked to shred up there this winter, sounds like it's road trip time!**
We always recommend wearing a helmet, which can be rented in our Rental Tech Center or purchased in one of our Retail Stores. They are warm, waterproof and provide protection.
A trial was held, during which Sherwood was subjected to a "swimming test" to determine her guilt. This test involved tying her hands and feet and throwing her into a body of water. If she floated, it was believed to be evidence of her guilt, as witches were said to have made pacts with the devil and could not be submerged. Sherwood, however, proved to be an anomaly as she did not float but instead sank. This led many to doubt her guilt and question the validity of the tests. Despite this, she was still found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment. She was eventually released after several years and lived the rest of her life as an outcast. The witchcraft trials in Williamsburg, like in many other colonies, reflected the fears and anxieties of the time. The trials were often fueled by personal vendettas, superstition, and a desire to maintain social order. In the years that followed, there was a growing skepticism towards witchcraft and a decrease in the number of trials. The Enlightenment era brought about a shift in thinking, as people began to question the existence of witches and the supernatural. Overall, the witchcraft trials in Williamsburg, Virginia, were a dark chapter in the colony's history. They serve as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the potential for injustice in the pursuit of justice..
Reviews for "Colonial Justice: The Witchcraft Trials of Williamsburg Virginia"
1. John Smith - 1 Star
The witchcraft trials in Williamsburg, Virginia were a complete disappointment. I was expecting an immersive and historically accurate experience, but instead, it felt like a cheesy Halloween haunted house. The actors were not convincing, the storyline was weak, and the whole thing seemed more focused on jump scares than educating visitors about the actual witch trials. Save your money and visit a real historical site instead.
2. Sarah Johnson - 2 Stars
I had high hopes for the witchcraft trials in Williamsburg, but they fell short of my expectations. The execution was lackluster, and there was a lack of attention to detail. The actors seemed disengaged and unenthusiastic, and the historical accuracy was questionable. It felt more like a tourist trap rather than a genuine educational experience. I would not recommend this attraction to anyone seeking an authentic and informative representation of the witch trials.
3. Michael Thompson - 1 Star
The witchcraft trials in Williamsburg were a waste of time and money. The whole experience was disorganized and confusing. The actors did not seem to know their lines or deliver their performances convincingly. It was difficult to follow the storyline, and the overall atmosphere was dull and uninspiring. I expected to learn more about the history of witchcraft trials, but instead, I left feeling disappointed and frustrated. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for an engaging and informative historical experience.
4. Emily Davis - 2 Stars
While the concept of the witchcraft trials in Williamsburg was interesting, the execution left much to be desired. The production quality was low, and the set design felt cheap. The narrative was disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the experience. Additionally, the attraction lacked a sense of historical accuracy, which was disappointing. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to educate visitors about an important period in history.
5. James Wilson - 1 Star
The witchcraft trials in Williamsburg, Virginia were a complete letdown. The whole experience felt rushed and poorly organized. The actors lacked enthusiasm and did not do justice to the gravity of the subject matter. The script was weak and lacked depth, failing to truly convey the historical context of the witch trials. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a memorable and educational experience.