Washington's Trees (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this trailside historical marker:

Washington's Trees
Then and Now

From his youthful venture into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley at age 16 until the end of his life, George Washington observed, collected, and planted hundreds of trees. When Washington created his new 1780s landscape, he went to the surrounding forest where he found and transplanted a variety of trees and shrubs. Washington sought to maintain groves of trees and areas which he referred to as "wilderness" around his home. Washington even participated in plant exchanges with friends and family.

Vanishing Chestnut
The American chestnut was dominant in Washington's forest. However, since the middle of the 20th century, the American chestnut has all but vanished throughout the United States, due to disease. Today, scientists are developing a blight-resistant chestnut tree; experiments are taking place at National Colonial Farm, located directly across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon.

What Type of Trees Were in Washington's 18th-Century Forest?
Washington's knowledge of nature allowed him to identify trees, even when they were leafless, by the color and texture of their bark and their overall shape. Tulip poplar, white oak, red maple, and sycamore are trees that were in Washington's woodlands can still be seen today along the Forest Trail.

A recent report identifies 270 plant and tree species currently found in Mount Vernon's forest.