LAVALE — The Allegany County Library System recently unveiled the National Road Heritage Tree display in the newly remodeled LaVale Library hallway.
The exhibit showcases a slice of a 366-year-old white oak that once stood along the historic National Road in LaVale, a vital artery of American history known as “the road that built the nation.”
The collaborative effort was funded and prepared by the LaVale Civic Improvement Association, the LaVale Lions Club, the Allegany County Forestry Board and the Allegany County Library System.
The display commemorates the resilience and historical significance of the tree and the contributions of community organizations that made its preservation possible. The tree, donated by Gwen and Monroe Harris, was a silent witness to centuries of events and figures, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Boone. Its lifespan began around 1646 and ended after the 2012 derecho, which marked the tree’s decline.
The tree slice is accompanied by an in-depth narrative of its historical significance, highlighting the key moments and individuals it witnessed during its 366-year lifespan.
Visitors can explore the tree’s story, which intertwines with the evolution of the National Road and the history of Western Maryland, through a curated exhibit featuring the history and detailed timelines.