The Birthing Tree Virtual Cache

THE BIRTHING TREE

"Standing as a silent sentinel to the town, this enormous white oak (Quercus alba) welcomes travelers into the city of McMinnville. While only 85 feet tall, the crown spreads 130 feet, possibly almost 300 years old, with several of the lower limbs larger than many trees. However, it is not its size that gives this white oak notoriety; the Birthing Tree is steeped in local folklore.

The tree was a local landmark for settlers passing through the area. Travelers from North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia would journey through Knoxville on the Old Kentucky Trail. These trails converged at Rock Island (the closest city at that time) and then passed under the spreading branches of this giant tree before continuing south to Alabama. The huge oak was a well-known meeting place for these weary travelers. Some waited for long periods of time for fellow settlers to join them. Others lingered because of bad weather or lack of supplies.

Many local families also recount stories of grandparents who knew someone born at the tree due to the extended delays. At one time it was even thought to have been part of the infamous “Trail of Tears” on the march to Oklahoma, although local historians discount this. However, the tree has been known for over 150 years is the subject of numerous local stories and rumors. Many family meetings have been held at the tree."

Entered on the Tennessee Landmark & Historic Tree Register in 2000 as a Landmark Tree

To log this Virtual cache as a find. Please do one of the following: post a photo of yourself with the Birthing Tree in the back ground (requested) or if you DO NOT want to post your photo, have a legible sign with your caching name and the date (mandatory if no photo of self provided). A photo or sign with name & date, must accompany every posted FOUND LOG. Failer to post one or the other when logging the find, will be grounds for your log being deleted.

Posted are examples of acceptable photos:

Jon-Jon, Cole & Quinn; the 3 caballeros

(requested example photo)

(mandatory example for each cacher)

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.