Sassafras Tree. . In the 1500's Sassafras Trees were believed by some to cure every human ailment. The roots and bark were used as a spring tonic and its fruit was and still is eaten by most animals and birds. Although in the last few years, scientists feared that sassafras and sarsaparilla contributed to cancer, people still use the root and bark as a medicine. Some people still use sassafras to control blood pressure, to treat skin problems, to kill germs and to cure arthritis. Sassafras was once used to add flavor to root beer until this use and the use of sassafras as a tea was ended by the government.
In the 1500's Sassafras Trees were believed by some to cure every human ailment. The roots and bark were used as a spring tonic and its fruit was and still is eaten by most animals and birds. Although in the last few years, scientists feared that sassafras and sarsaparilla contributed to cancer, people still use the root and bark as a medicine. Some people still use sassafras to control blood pressure, to treat skin problems, to kill germs and to cure arthritis. Sassafras was once used to add flavor to root beer until this use and the use of sassafras as a tea was ended by the government.
Location. 36° 43.465′ N, 77° 4.336′ 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 the North Atlantic Region, 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: Pvt. Solomon Stevens (a few steps from this marker); Black Oak Tree (a few steps from this marker); Sweetgum Tree
2. Sassafras Tree Marker, which has come off its pole
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 120 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
