Local author Willie Morris helped create the legend of the Witch of Yazoo, and its lore has spread throughout the world, attracting visitors to the site of her legendary grave in Yazoo City.
And although a research group from the University of Southern Mississippi has expressed interest in finding out who actually lies beneath the legendary grave, local organizations and leaders have declined, wishing to leave the legend as it is for future generations.
The Witch’s Grave is located in the historic Glenwood Cemetery, surrounded by chain links and an incredible story to match. Morris’ book “Good Old Boy” made the legend famous with details surrounding an old woman who lived on the Yazoo River and was caught luring and torturing fisherman. After being chased through the swamps, she drowned in quicksand and vowed to return and burn the city to the ground in 20 years. And with The Fire of 1904, which destroyed over 200 residences and nearly every business in Yazoo City, she seemed to have fulfilled her vow…exactly 20 years later.
After the Great Fire, spectators arrived at the Witch’s Grave to find the chain links had been broken.
Sue Patterson, with the local historical society, said she was approached by a graduate student from USM, who said he was doing his dissertation on the witch and her legend.
“The most I knew about the witch is found in the files at the library,” Patterson said. “But the student began asking who was in the grave. I told him that nobody knows, but there are various theories behind it. The only way we would know is exactly what Willie Morris use to say…dig it up.”
Patterson said she reflected on Morris’ comment almost in a joking fashion. But it wasn’t long afterwards that a bioarchaeologist requested that their group be allowed to do so.
“They would pay for the excavation, but they would need assistance in using a ground surveying radar system to see what is under the ground there,” Patterson said. “But after speaking with the city, the CVB and the historical society, out of respect, they declined. Most people want the legend to continue to have its mystery.”
There are theories that a man is buried in the grave; a man who was possibly a member of the Odd Fellows, a male fraternity group. The chain links could be associated with the group, which considered links with its motto of “Friendship, Love and Truth.”
The legend of the witch remains a mystery within Yazoo City. And with the lore, legend says that when all of the chains are gone from the grave, the witch will return for more revenge. For now, the majority of the community would like to keep those chains secure, along with her legend.
