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

Heritage Trees

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. Heritage Trees Marker

Inscription. Large trees, such as this 150-200 year-old Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus), have a story to tell. Most of the trees here are relatively young, the result of timber harvesting during the 1950s and 1980s. This area may have been clear-cut, or stripped of its timber, as many as eleven times in the past 400 years. Large trees were often left to serve as boundary markers. In time, these man-made boundary lines formed hedgerows and buffers that provide forage and habitat diversity for deer, birds and small mammals. As development activities increase, large trees such as this oak become an essential part of our natural heritage.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 37° 14.765′ N, 76° 47.004′ 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

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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: 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: Holly Cathedral (a few steps from this marker); Forebay Drainage Basins (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fallen Tree (about 800 feet away); The Headright System (about 800 feet away); Indentured Servitude (approx. 0.2 miles away); Native Life

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. Heritage Trees Marker

And the tree it refers to.

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Unique Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Agricultural Revolution (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

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 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.