Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

“Vires-Acquirit-Eundo” Ancient Arbor Vitae

“Vires-Acquirit-Eundo” Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 2007

1. “Vires-Acquirit-Eundo” Marker

Inscription. Before dying in 1980, this more than 1600 year old specimen of the Arbor Vitae tree was the oldest and largest known in the world. It’s (sic) diameter measures 56 inches. Depending on climatic conditions that determine it’s (sic) growth rate, the arbor vitae increases one inch in diameter every thirty years. Native Americans use the foliage as a source of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

Looking back up Cascade Creek, you may see the beautifully exposed tufa deposits, tan and buff colored deposits of calcium carbonate. Layers of the same type of limestone and dolomites that form the bridge can also be seen along the trail and in the creek. The limestone is a blue-grey color.

“{Natural Bridge is} the Bridge not made by hands, that spans a river, carries a highway, and makes the mountains one.”
Henry Clay, American statesman, 1777-1852

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 37° 37.667′ N, 79° 32.6′ W. Marker is in Natural Bridge, Virginia, in Rockbridge County.

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It can be reached from the intersection of South Lee Highway (U.S. 11) and Wert Faulkner Highway (Virginia Route 130), on the left when traveling south. The marker is near the head of the Cedar Creek Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge VA 24578, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Natural Bridge Patent (here, next to this marker); The Time-Traveling Tree of Life (within shouting distance of this marker); A Miracle in Stone ... Old as the Dawn (within shouting distance of this marker); How Did It Happen?

The Arbor Vitae image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 2007

2. The Arbor Vitae

(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Natural Bridge (about 400 feet away); “The Most Sublime of Nature’s Works” (about 500 feet away); Once Enslaved, He Became Natural Bridge's First Caretaker (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Natural Bridge (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natural Bridge.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Natural Bridge (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 2,556 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.