The Lee Oak Partially Collapses

On September 6, 2002, a large section of the "Lee Oak", a massive white oak tree in eastern Hanover County, Virginia, collapsed and crashed to the ground. No one was hurt. The huge tree has a 7-9 foot diameter trunk, and is estimated to be over 400 years old. According to local legend, General Robert E. Lee camped beneath its branches during the Civil War.

The fallen portion, about 25% of the whole tree, as big as two regular trees and fully in leaf, landed across the lawn between two houses. Splintered pieces of trunk and huge broken branches lie at odd angles. An oak sap scent fills the air. The newly exposed flank reveals that the heart of the tree is hollow and long ago rotted.

I took these pictures on Sept. 7, 2002. Click Next to see each image. Maps and map overlays are included. --Jim Allen