Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Unique Tree

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. Unique Tree Marker

Inscription. What caused this maple tree to grow this way? During a logging operation sometime near 2000, another tree fell on this one and bent it to the ground. Over the years, it formed a new central leader (top). The remainder of the tree that was bent to the ground eventually rotted away, leaving a hole in its side. If you look closely, you can just barely see the rotted remains of the tree that fell on the maple. By examining these landscape features, we can determine the natural or mechanical forces that shaped what we see today.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.

Location. 37° 14.679′ N, 76° 47.162′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from John Tyler Highway (Virginia Route 5) east of Greensprings Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. The address given is for Jamestown High School, which includes the northern trailhead and parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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3751 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

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: The Agricultural Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); Tobacco, The Money Crop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Headright System (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Life on the Main (about 600 feet away); Forebay Drainage Basins (about 800 feet away); Indentured Servitude (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fallen Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); Holly Cathedral (approx.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. Unique Tree Marker

The tree mentioned is the bent one beyond. Though, really all trees are unique...

0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

"Unique Tree" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

3. "Unique Tree"

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

4. Unique Tree Marker

To the right of the marker is another interesting tree, quite large compared to its surroundings, that has grown towards the open field at a pretty severe angle which makes for an odd sight of its own.

Everything is leaning! image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

5. Everything is leaning!

Bent trees abound around the marker (at right).

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.