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.
Pens
from this tree are in production (June, 2007)
and are 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 pre-ordered by e-mail
solometojp@verizon.net
Or by calling: 1-540-249-3256
Port
Republic Museum
Port Republic, VA