Common Name: live oak
Scientific Name: Quercus virginiana
Category: Historic tree
Comments: During his grand tour of the United States in 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette visited to Richmond, and was hosted by, among other city fathers, Dr. John C. Brockenbrough, a wealthy physician and president of the Bank of Virginia. That same year, a Live Oak tree was planted on the southwest corner of Brockenbrough's property in the upscale Shockoe Hill neighborhood. The residence had a commanding view over Shockoe Valley and towards Richmond's Church Hill. According to legend, the tree was planted in honor of Lafayette's visit. The Brockenbrough House passed through several owners until 1861 when the City of Richmond acquired it and rented it to the Confederate Government as the official residence / executive mansion for President Jefferson Davis and his family. During and since the Civil War, the house and its small compound has been referred to as the "White House of the Confederacy".
Dendrology Notes: See also: 2145
Best time to photograph: All year, daytime
Nominator: Dean Knight, Museum of the Confederacy
This tree is on public or publicly accessible property, including schools, churches or businesses. Please be respectful of others when visiting. Locations provided here are not an invitation to trespass, and public properties such as schools and military installations are not necessarily open to visitors. If you wish to make your location private, please let us know.
Owner Name: The Museum of the Confederacy
Owner Address: 1201 East Clay St. Richmond VA 23219
Directions: From I-95 take exit 74C to Route 250 West (Broad Street). At 11th Street turn right and go two blocks to Clay Street. Turn right on Clay Street. The Museum and White House of the Confederacy are located on the corner of 12th and Clay Streets. The tree is in the garden of the White House of the Confederacy.
GPS Coordinates: 37.540432, -77.429314
County/City: Richmond City