That overly sensationalized, albeit fictionalized, account about the Blair Witch in Burkittsville often steals the limelight when most folks think of Maryland as having had a resident witch from long ago. Yet, sifting through history, you will find a fair share of locally documented witch accounts rooted in more foundational credibility.
While Salem, Massachusetts, may take the cake as a renowned epicenter for witching hysteria in early colonial times, Maryland was not without its own witch accusations and resulting witch trials. One legendary tale dating back to the 17th century even suggests that Leonardtown in St. Mary’s County may have been home to a real-life witch. The supposed witch in question was named Moll Dyer.
Even today, some Leonardtown residents stand firm in their beliefs that the reports surrounding Moll Dyer are rooted in fact. Many concurrently make the bold claim that her spirit still lingers in the woods where she met her fateful demise and left a lasting curse.
In light of the Halloween season, this Flashback Friday Feature will offer an overview of the orally conveyed Moll Dyer story that’s so much a part of Leonardtown lore and legend. I will also be reviewing the existing historical facts to support it.
The Story
In the late 1600s, in what would eventually become Leonardtown, Maryland, an eccentric old woman named Moll Dyer lived alone in her little cabin. While she kept to herself, she was often regarded as a healer by other village residents owing to her vast knowledge of herbs, natural remedies, and even cures. Her services were sought out on many occasions. Even so, folks remained leery of her unusual ways.
When a violent influenza epidemic befell the region during the winter of 1697-1698, Moll Dyer found herself the target of town-wide scapegoating. The superstitious sentiments of the day fueled the popular belief that witchcraft was to blame for the plague-like conditions. Moll Dyer. was the one resident who matched the description of a viable town witch perfectly.
So, on one frigid February night, the townspeople formed a mob uprising against Moll Dyer in her home, torching her small cabin and sending her fleeing into the surrounding woods. She ran for miles before her fragile legs finally failed her. With the harsh elements and her impaired state of being, Dyer knew she was about to die. So, she made her way to a rock, placed her right hand upon it, and lifted her left one to the moon, inciting a curse on the village people.
Days later, a young boy happening through the woods in search of lost livestock came across Moll Dyer. She was found frozen to death in an upright position, her left hand still raised and her right leaving a penetrable indentation in the rock she gripped.
Was Moll Dyer Real?
There is no concrete proof today of a woman named Moll Dyer ever living in this area during the 17th century. A fire occurred in the courthouse on March 8, 1831, resulting in the loss of many of Leonardtown’s earlier records from the colonial era. There are immigration records, however, that do confirm women by the names of Mary Dyer, Marg. Dyer, and Malligo Dyers came to Dorchester County in October 1677 via Capt. Thomas Taylor’s ship. The nickname “Moll” was common for women whose names began with the letter “M” in the 1600s—particularly Mary.
The Mary Dyer in question here was likely born in Devon, England, around 1634 and had previously worked as an indentured servant in the Virgin Islands in 1669. However, it cannot be confirmed that she relocated to Leonardtown after arriving in Dorchester.
Historic Evidence and Possible Proof
While proof of Moll Dyer’s existence remains unverifiable, there are many historical facts surrounding the overall legend that can be accounted for. For instance, records show that the influenza epidemic that struck during the winter of 1697-1698 really did occur. The month of February in 1698 was also reported to be abnormally cold even for that already expectedly cold time of year. Also, Edition 604, Volume LII of The St. Mary’s Beacon, written in 1892 by Joseph Morgan attests to the idea that a woman named Moll lived in the immediate area and her cottage was burned when “Cotton Mather held sway in the land of the Puritans.”
One of the strangest verifications from that time so long ago, though, is the existence of Moll Dyer Rock. Today, you’ll find the curious relic in front of Tudor Hall Mansion, serving as a historic landmark. This was the alleged rock that Moll Dyer placed her hand on when she froze to death, muttering her curse. Coincidentally, you can see the indented handprint in question upon viewing it.
A Continued Curse and Lasting Legacy
As is the case with many oral traditions, there are deviations in some aspects of the storied account of Moll Dyer. Yet all the most important facts remain steadfastly similar.
The belief in a continued curse over this area of St. Mary’s County remains a hot topic of debate. Some residents hold to the belief that Moll Dyer still haunts the area. There have even been various reported supernatural occurrences all along rightfully named Moll Dyer Road. This is a branch off of Maryland Route 5 believed to be the location where Moll Dyer breathed her last. Some of these accounts include sightings of shadowy figures, lightning strikes, dense fog, and a white dog that causes car accidents. Many also tell of experiencing an eerie and uncanny quiet deep in the woods.
Again, nobody can say for sure whether or not Moll Dyer was really a witch or even if she ever existed at all. But her legacy lives on in Leonardtown to this day. The mayor even declared February 26, Moll Dyer Day, back in 2021. That alone is the ultimate testament to her ever-present hold over the town.