The
Bonnie Oaks Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) stands in Hamilton
County, on land once occupied by the Cherokee Indians. Colonial
Lewis Shepherd originally settled in the area and in 1840,
Colonial Jarrett G. Dent built the Dent House on the property (now
on the National Historic Register).
Various owners have given this property its rich history,
including Captain C.C. Peak, who in 1867 named the property
"Bonnie Oaks" for the stately oak trees that surrounded
the homestead. This willow oak dates back prior to the 1854 Bonnie
Oaks Orphanage, which was originally established to teach agrarian
skills to children and included a working farm. The enormous tree
now sits on property owned by the Hamilton County Parks Department
and is located at 6183 Adamson Circle, off I-75, exit # 7B, in
Chattanooga.
Originally nominated by Kelly Jackson.
Entered into the Landmark & Historic Tree Register in 2000
as a historic tree.
