Norfolk Naval Station, Powhatan Oak, Willoughby Oak

The Powhatan Oak is a venerable tree for all of Virginia. It was proven to be vigorous in 1907,
as well as during the time of the Jamestown Landing (300 years prior).
The image below was created from a souvenir postcard commemorating the Jamestown Exposition.

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The Willoughby Oak is also a time-honored tree --close to the same age. It is said, Thomas Willoughby owned it back in the 1620s, well before Willoughby Spit was created by a storm in 1749. The tree is now found on the Navy base near Willoughby Housing and can be viewed on Rippard Avenue.
Is it possible the Powhatan Oak and Willoughby Oak are one and the same?
Nope, the Powhatan Oak stood east of Bainbridge Ave, north of Gilbert. It was removed decades ago due to disease.

The Willoughby Oak was Virginia's third largest on record and it is about 500-600 years old. In 1942 Rear Admiral Manley Simons (base commander) declared that it was to be protected at all times.

oak2.jpg (24815 bytes) oak1.jpg (16702 bytes)

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There is a "grass roots" movement to save the revered Ocean View Oaks located between 3rd & 5th Bay Streets--
there are some really good folks involved and we wish them well. They're much like us --in that they are not affiliated with any groups, leagues or associations. They just love their neighborhood and want to see an integral part of its natural beauty preserved.