Civil War Pen with Historic Wood

The trees this wood came from are very old and
historic. They are from the Fredericksburg area of
Virginia, and between 350 to 400 years old. They
were seedling before we were a nation.

They were witnesses to some of the first settlers
arriving to colonize Virginia. George Washington
grew up not too far from them. They watched as the
colonists fought for their independence, won, and
birthed this great nation.

When full grown they were harvested to be part of the
dam that would provide power to the industry of
Fredericksburg. In December, 1854 the Crib Dam was
completed. Comprised of pines and oaks, the dam was
anchored in the Rappahannock River to divert water
into Fredericksburg and drive its many mills.

The dam fought in two battles in the Civil War,
seeing service in The Battles of Fredericksburg and
Chancellorsville, to name a few. It continued working
hard driving industry until relieved by the Embry
Dam in 1910. For 94 years it rested under the waters
of the Rappahannock. In 2003 was removed to allow
the river to run free once again.

Given to a HS History Teacher who was getting
ready to be deployed.

Love the story! That wood has had quite an adventure. It looks great on that pen. How did you do the text?

Was the wood certified in any way? I have Bethlehem olive wood and whiskey barrel wood which have documentation, can't remember which distillery. Senior moment.

Great story and great looking pen.

I was going to write a response to you that said that was an awesome back story, very well composed, then I noticed you are a preacher....and thought, he has a lot of practice writing this kind of back story! Well done on the story and very well done on the pen, the History teacher/Soldier will cherish that I am sure!

Our trees have witnessed so much....and too often they are taken down to widen a sidewalk or install a fire pit....I think sometimes a little consideration for their seniority might be prudent.

Thanks guys.. the lettering and fill in was done by a friend with a laser engraver.

Woodchipper said:

Was the wood certified in any way? I have Bethlehem olive wood and whiskey barrel wood which have documentation, can't remember which distillery. Senior moment.

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Yes, I gave him the certificate when I presented the pen.

Great way to commerate our countries history. I would also like to know how you did the engraved lettering.

moke said:

Our trees have witnessed so much....and too often they are taken down to widen a sidewalk or install a fire pit....I think sometimes a little consideration for their seniority might be prudent.

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I completely agree with this!