This
massive oak tree stands next to an abandoned
farm lane in the Shenandoah Valley near Mount
Meridan near Grottoes, VA.
According
to local tradition General Thomas "Stonewall"
Jackson stopped each morning after breakfast
at a nearby house to pray under this oak tree
while his army was encamped
nearby in June of 1862.
Many
in the Shenandoah Valley have heard of the
white oak tree known as "Jackson's Prayer
Tree" which still stands near Mount Meridan.
It is estimated to be anywhere from 275 to
300 years old and is considered one of 36
most historic trees in the United States,
according to the US Forestry Department.
On
the weekend after the battle of Port Republic,
troops under General "Stonewall"
Jackson, a deeply religious man, were encamped
nearby. His Sunday worship service was held
under this tree on June 15, 1862.
Wood
was collected recently during a trimming to
promote health of the tree. Some of it has
been set aside to make into ball point pens
which are shown in the image above.
Production
of the Pens from this tree began (June, 2007)
and are only available from the
Society
of Port Republic Preservationist, Inc.
PO Box 82
Port Republic, VA 24471
540-249-9226
These
Pens are offered to the public for $25 each.
They
may be ordered by e-mail
solometojp@verizon.net
Or by calling: 1-540-249-3156
Port
Republic Museum
Port Republic, VA
