Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Southern Red Oak Tree

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025

1. Southern Red Oak Tree Marker

Inscription. The Southern Red Oak Tree (Quercus falcata) like other oaks, is a strong hard wood tree used for building railroad ties, ships, furniture, hardwood floors and much more. Its acorns are a food source for most wildlife including deer and birds. This oak grows well on sandy or well drained soil. Native Americans used the Southern Red Oak acorns for making acorn meal and for creating a flatbread eaten by most tribal members. They also used the bark for making medicines. Ancient people and Native Americans believed the oak was a symbol of strength, knowledge, and wisdom. Often rituals and ceremonies were held in oak groves.

Erected by Helping Hand Cemetery.

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

Location. 36° 43.449′ N, 77° 4.331′ 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

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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: John Napoleon Darden (here, next to this marker); Sand Post Oak Tree (a few steps from this marker); Dora Brown (a few steps from this marker); Walter Hardy (a few steps from this marker); Water Oak Tree (a few steps from this marker); Sassafras Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Oak Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Pvt. Solomon Stevens (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Courtland.

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025

2. Southern Red Oak Tree Marker

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 98 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.