Secret Witch Bottles Unearthed at Confederate Fort Reveal Dark Civil War Rituals of Union Soldiers
Previous research showed, after all, that these bottles have been commonly found near hearths and chimneys and used for this specific purpose.
“They are placed near a hearth so the heat of the fire heats the nails, which helps trap and hold evil spirits,” said Jones.
Other items uncovered at the site included canteen fragments, bullets, horseshoe nails, uniform buttons, ink bottle fragments, and more.
The bottle, which is labeled “Charles Grove of Columbia, PA,” is one of fewer than a dozen found in the United States. In the United Kingdom, meanwhile, about 200 have been found in total.
Most recently, one containing human teeth, fish hooks, and a mysterious liquid were discovered during roof repairs on the former home of 18th-century witch Angeline Tubbs.
Robert Hunter/William & Mary Center for Archaeological ResearchAbout 200 witch bottles have been found across the United Kingdom, while fewer than a dozen have been unearthed in the U.S.
Whoever this particular bottle belonged to, Jones explained, was scared enough of being killed in battle to actually use one.
With the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment being under regular threat from Confederate troops, one could see how even metaphysical solutions like witch bottles would start to be considered under fear of death.
“Given the perceived threat of Confederate attack and general hostility of local residents, he had good reason to pull all the stops and rely on folk traditions from his community in Pennsylvania to help protect his temporary home away from home,” Jones explained.
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