Majestic, mature trees caught my attention during a recent vacation. Look at this one.
Yes, this is all one tree. According to the sign tacked to the trunk, it’s a hackberry. Graceful, sturdy branches would invite me to hoist myself up a bit and claim a seat — if it was located on my own property and not a public space.
I don’t know the age. But I suspect this was present as a much smaller tree when the 19th century turned into the 20th. Structures have been built, worn, and destroyed during that time. Others have been puzzled over and re-constructed within easy sight. For this particular tree stands on the Colonial Williamsburg property. I wonder how may people have paused in the shade and exchanged a bit of news. Perhaps business has been conducted within the dripline.
Trees were viewed as lumber and firewood in the sweet romance, New Dreams. While a few select specimens were spared by the settlers, the Americans and immigrants both wanted clear building lots and fields. In 1851, forest remained in patches. Take a step back in time here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE
