While the legend of the Blair Witch of Burkittsville in Frederick County, may be the most well-known in Maryland, it is by no means the only bewitching tale in the state’s history.

The first woman accused of witchcraft never actually set foot in the state. In 1654, Mary Lee was sailing to the new world from England. The journey was plagued by foul weather, and the crew decided to blame Mary for their misfortune. They requested the captain put her on trial, but when that was delayed, they took matters into their own hands. She was later hanged, and her body was dumped overboard before they landed in St. Mary’s City.

Virtue Violl, of Talbot County, was arrested on suspicion of witchcraft in 1715, after a dispute with a neighbor. She has the distinction of being the last witch tried in the state. She was brought to trial in Annapolis and indicted by Maryland’s attorney general, William Bladen, for practicing black magic. However, the jury was not convinced of her guilt and acquitted her of all charges.

While many were accused of witchcraft throughout Maryland’s history, few met their untimely end here. Rebecca Fowler, of Calvert County, was the only person in the state of Maryland executed for witchcraft in 1685.

Boo! Other Spooky Fun Facts from Conduit Street:

Fun Fact: Which County Hosts a Spooky Singing Ghost?
Fun Fact: What Famous Actor Is Buried in an Unmarked Grave in Carroll County?
Fun Fact: Did You Know that the Largest Ship Graveyard in the Western Hemisphere is in Charles County?
Fun Fact: Did You Know that Johns Hopkins Hospital Was Built On An Old Insane Asylum?

Do you have a fun fact to share about your county? If so, please send it to Allison Valliant to be featured in MACo’s weekly Fun Fact on Conduit Street.