Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

“Vires-Acquirit-Eundo” Ancient Arbor Vitae

“Vires-Acquirit-Eundo” Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 2007

1. “Vires-Acquirit-Eundo” Marker

Inscription. Before dying in 1980, this more than 1600 year old specimen of the Arbor Vitae tree was the oldest and largest known in the world. It’s (sic) diameter measures 56 inches. Depending on climatic conditions that determine it’s (sic) growth rate, the arbor vitae increases one inch in diameter every thirty years. Native Americans use the foliage as a source of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

Looking back up Cascade Creek, you may see the beautifully exposed tufa deposits, tan and buff colored deposits of calcium carbonate. Layers of the same type of limestone and dolomites that form the bridge can also be seen along the trail and in the creek. The limestone is a blue-grey color.

“{Natural Bridge is} the Bridge not made by hands, that spans a river, carries a highway, and makes the mountains one.”
Henry Clay, American statesman, 1777-1852

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

Location. 37° 37.667′ N, 79° 32.6′ W. Marker is in Natural Bridge, Virginia, in Rockbridge County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Lee Highway (U.S. 11) and Wert Faulkner Highway (Virginia Route 130), on the left when traveling south. The marker

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

is near the head of the Cedar Creek Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge VA 24578, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Natural Bridge Patent (here, next to this marker); A Miracle in Stone ... Old as the Dawn (within shouting distance of this marker); Natural Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Natural Bridge (about 600 feet away); George Washington (approx. ¼ mile away); Monacan Village (approx. 0.3 miles away); Saltpetre Cave (approx. 0.3 miles away); “The Most Sublime of Nature’s Works” (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natural Bridge.

The Arbor Vitae image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 2007

2. The Arbor Vitae

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 960 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.