The King's Tree

British Navy ship builders explored the forest of Colonial Virginia in search of tall, straight trees similar to the ones present today at Washington's Birthplace. These perfect specimens were marked with the "King's Stamp" for later retrieval when the masts for tall ships were needed. Settlers could easily recognize the mark of the King and would face severe consequences if the King's tree was felled or damaged. Colonial Virginia was the prized Fourth Dominion of the King of England in part because of its wonderful timber and other resources. These resources aided Great Britian in its dominance over all other naval powers in its 18th century conquest of the globe.