Common Name: American sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
Category: Unique tree
Comments: This huge sycamore is not the tallest tree in the river bottom of Henry County but it is a local icon for trout fishermen and river lovers. Its stands as a sentinel on the banks of the Smith River, a guardian over the wild brown trout, it sure has stood the test of time. The gnarled and massive truck is 15 ft in diameter and has lived long enough to see many the changes in the Smith River Valley from the Indian village that once stood on the banks of the river at this very spot, to the lumber that was floated down the Smith before the construction of the Philpott dam in 1952. The tree sure witnessed the ill fated attemps to move pig iron downstream on batteuas, as they poled along under the outstrected arms of this graying giant. "Big Sid" is truely a remarkable tree of Henry County.
Best time to photograph: spring, late evening
Nominator: Brian Williams
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: Henry