Common Name: southern catalpa
Scientific Name: Catalpa bignonioides
Category: Historic tree
Comments: This nomination is for two trees, standing side by side, as though they have helped one another through so much adversity. These Catalpas are located at Chatham Manor in southern Stafford County, along the northern border of Fredericksburg, Virginia and the Rappahannock River. Chatham was built between 1768-1771, and it is believed that these two trees were planted between 1810-1820. During the Civil War battle of 1863, Chatham was used as the Union Headquarters while Fredericksburg was attacked and besieged. Soldiers tried to burn down these two trees, leaving scarred stumps in their wake after the battle. Yet the trees survived, and still stand and thrive today.
Dendrology Notes: See 1444
Best time to photograph: Late afternoon to early evening
Nominator: Karen J. Allen
This tree is not on public or publicly accessible property. The owner's name, address, and the exact location of the tree are not displayed to protect the privacy of these individuals. If you are the owner and wish to make this information public, please let us know.
County/City: Stafford