American Chestnut Tree Growing at Atlanta History Center

I am fascinated by the story of the American Chestnut. Once the absolute King of the Eastern Woodlands, it died off within only a couple of decades due to Chestnut Blight. It wasn’t just a majestic species, it was also a keystone species of an entire ecosystem. The loss is hard to imagine, but efforts to bring it back are worthwhile.

Efforts to bring back the American Chestnut have been slow but steady. And I was surprised to find a planting at none other than the Atlanta History Center! It’s not as old or as established as the ones at Allatoona Dam, but they seem healthy and strong. They are a fun little Easter Egg tucked inconspicuously in the very back of the Center’s property near The Wood Cabin.