Marker Logo
THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Sand Post Oak Tree

 
 
Sand Post Oak Tree Marker image. Click for full size.
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025
1. Sand Post Oak Tree Marker
Inscription. The Sand Post Oak Tree (Quercus margaretta) sometimes called White Oak is a tree known to be the preferred home of wildlife. Its acorns provide food for turkeys and other birds. This tree was named Sand Post Oak since its wood takes a long time to decay making its lumber excellent for fence posts. This tree grows so slowly that dead branches can last on the trees for many years. The Sand Post Oak is a member of the Mighty Oaks family. In ancient times it symbolized strength, morale, resistance, and knowledge. Ancient people believed that just burning the wood would purify the atmosphere and make them strong. Native Americans believed oak trees were sacred. "They would manipulate oak trees by putting a piece of leather or stick in oak saplings so they would grow downwards and then back upwards to point to a trail." They then named these trees "thong" trees which helped create trails leading to water, medicinal plants, paths, or caves.
 
Erected by Helping Hand Cemetery.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & ArchaeologyHorticulture & ForestryIndigenous Peoples and Communities.
 
Location. 36° 43.446′ N,
Paid Advertisement
Click or scan to see
this page online
77° 4.325′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Virginia, in Southampton County. It can be reached from Main Street (Virginia Route 35) north of Oak Trail, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Courtland VA 23837, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Coastal Virginia and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. 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: Dora Brown (here, next to this marker); Walter Hardy (here, next to this marker); John Napoleon Darden (a few steps from this marker); Southern Red Oak Tree (a few steps from this marker); Water Oak Tree (a few steps from this marker); Black Oak Tree
Sand Post Oak Tree Marker image. Click for full size.
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025
2. Sand Post Oak Tree Marker
(within shouting distance of this marker); Pvt. Solomon Stevens (within shouting distance of this marker); Sassafras Tree (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Courtland.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
m=276626

CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisement
Aug. 1, 2026