Wind Tears Down Canadian Hemlock Planted By George Washington

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Many trees in Virginia were torn down by strong winds on Friday, but perhaps none more historically significant than a tree planted by George Washington himself. The organization George Washington's Mount Vernon said in a Facebook post that a centuries-old Canadian Hemlock had been toppled on his estate, along with a Virginia cedar that for years overlooked Washington’s tomb.

Rob Shenk, senior vice president of visitor engagement with the organization, said in a tweet that "George Washington himself likely knew this tree along his famous Bowling Green," referring to the Canadian Hemlock."

The estate posted on Facebook that the tree originally came to the estate in 1791 in a half whiskey barrel. Then-New York Gov. George Clinton gave the tree to Washington as a gift.

The organization is exploring its options to repurpose the wood, but said it could take some time to finalize those plans because of everything that goes in to processing wood.

"In the past, we have made wood products from trees that have fallen at Mount Vernon and made them available at the Shops at Mount Vernon," the organization said in Facebook comment.

Photo credit: Rob Shenk, used with permission