Staunton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Project Dogwood: Staunton's Tradition Reborn
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 21, 2025
1. Project Dogwood: Staunton's Tradition Reborn Marker
In 1935, City Manager James Ruff determined to make Staunton the Dogwood Capital of Virginia, an appropriate goal, as the dogwood is the state flower and tree. Over 1,800 dogwoods were planted on public and private land during his tenure, dotting Staunton's landscape with beautiful spring blooms and providing a valuable food source for songbirds, squirrels and other small wildlife. Unfortunately, the Great Depression, World War II and a deadly dogwood disease (Anthracnose) put an end to Mr. Ruff's dream.
However in 2012, The Augusta Garden Club revived his vision and designated funds to restore the dogwood to Staunton. Working in cooperation with the city horticulturist, the club donated 67 trees to Gypsy Hill Park. A $10,000 grant from the Founders Fund of The Garden Club of America in 2017, combined with local grants, provided the means to purchase dogwoods for Montgomery Hall Park, Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, and public elementary schools.
Planted in front of you is a "living laboratory" of seven hybrid cultivars that have thrived in Staunton. Consider choosing one of these beautiful trees for your
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(Photo Captions):
Appalachian Mist
White flowers, good fall color, resistant to powdery mildew
Cherokee Brave
Red/dark pink flowers with pale centers, resistant to powdery mildew
Appalachian Spring
White flowers, red to purple fall color, slow growing, resistant to dogwood anthracnotse
Cloud 9
Pure white flowers, reddish purple leaves in fall, slow growing
Appalachian Snow
Large white flowers, good fall color, resistant to powdery mildew
Appalachian Blush
White flowers with a dusting of pink, exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew
Cherokee Princess
White flowers, resistant to spot anthracnose, a leaf disease
Erected by The City of Staunton, Va. and The Augusta Garden Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 38° 8.707′ N, 79° 5.511′ W. Marker is in Staunton, Virginia. It is on Kenneth Jones Drive west of Montgomery Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located in Montgomery Hall Park. Touch for map. Marker is
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 21, 2025
2. Project Dogwood: Staunton's Tradition Reborn Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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: An African American Haven Becomes Reality (within shouting distance of this marker); Shining Light on Their Humanity (within shouting distance of this marker); Held in Bondage (within shouting distance of this marker); The Long Road to Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); The Montgomery Hall Park Recreation Committee (within shouting distance of this marker); A Beacon of Light Across Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bowling Alley and a Swimming Pool (within shouting distance of this marker); Montgomery Hall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staunton.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
