Community preserves legacy of a ‘Treasured Tree’

Fallen white oak to remain in Black Mountain

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
June 25, 2024

Faith Butterfield coordinates the removal of a fallen tree, believed to be among the oldest in Black Mountain. Community members intend to utilize the wood of the white oak, which was toppled in May by high winds, to preserve its legacy. Photo courtesy of Joe Galone

It would be impossible to know the precise moment an acorn along present-day East State Street began developing the root system of a mighty white oak tree that towered above the Swannanoa Valley floor for over 200 years, but when a rare tornado touched down in Black Mountain, May 9, the morning sun revealed the landmark was no longer standing.

While the sudden loss of what is believed to have been one of the town’s oldest trees saddened many local residents, a group of concerned community members are ensuring the “Treasured Tree” remains part of Black Mountain.

Designated in 2019 as one of more than 60 of the Swannanoa Valley Tree Alliance’s Treasured Trees, the oak measured 52.5 inches at diameter at breast height. It was likely a seedling when the Cherokee were hunting and fishing in the area, according to Faith Butterfield, who has been a member of the nonprofit organization since its inception.

“This is a tree that witnessed so much history,” Butterfield said. “We’re told it was here during the Cherokee migration in the late 18th century, after (General Griffith Rutherford) came through, burned down villages and marched the Cherokee west. The tree was a witness to that.”

The oak stood tall through the settlement and development of the Swannanoa Valley, she added, as the massive hardwood, native to eastern and central North America, became a comforting sight for local residents.

“When it fell there was a lot of concern over what was going to happen to this tree,” Butterfield said. “For generations in Black Mountain, when visitors and locals came up the mountain from Old Fort into town, this was the tree that welcomed them. I know there are a lot of people who regarded this as their favorite tree in town.”

Preserving the remaining 18-foot trunk was a priority for Butterfield, who turned to a local business and town officials for assistance.

“It occurred to me that Jeff Hall, of Hall’s Towing & Recovery, has a very large flatbed truck and he is a tree lover,” she said. “We put (Treasured Tree) plaques on three trees on his property, so I reached out and he was happy to move it.”

A Hall’s Towing & Recovery truck removes an 18-foot white oak trunk, as Black Mountain residents preserve the centuries-old tree that was toppled by a storm. Photo courtesy of Joe Galone

Town Manager Josh Harrold agreed to store the trunk outside of the Black Mountain Public Works and Recreation and Parks Building. A police escort accompanied the truck and its cargo to Black Mountain Avenue.

“Without the help of Josh Harrold and Jeff Hall we wouldn’t have been able to preserve this remarkable piece of local history,” Butterfield said.

While the curing process will take at least six months, Butterfield intends to utilize some of the wood to construct a large bench to be placed in front of the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center.

“I think it would be great to make a bench big enough to catch people’s attention,” she said. “It would be nice to see it become a permanent part of Black Mountain.”

Other projects highlighting the oak’s historical ties are likely, Butterfield continued.

“People hope to bring the community together to celebrate and preserve the legacy of this tree,” she said.