The Roots of Industry: The Legacy of Delmarva's Colonial Forests

The Loblolly Pine

The Loblolly Pine and Bald Cypress were two of the most important tree species on Delmarva going back to early colonial times.  As early as the mid 1600’s these trees with distinctly different characteristics, were harvested to supply the early ship building industry.  

Loblolly Pines average about 2’ of growth per year and can reach average heights of 70-90 feet.  The tallest Loblolly in the US on record was 172.3’ and was identified in the Congaree National Park (the current Champion at 169’ is also found in the same Park).  They are also fairly wide trees, some measuring a diameter of 5 to 6 feet.  In addition to their straight grain and width, these trees are highly resinous; their thick, sticky pitch acts as a natural water repellent and preservative.

Evolution of Ship Building

Early colonists witnessed Native Americans on Delmarva with large, single log dug out canoes that utilized the full girth of these trees.  The newly arrived colonists observed and imitated many aspects of the native culture, and then attempted to improve upon. However, the pressures of colonial expansion and the demand for larger-scale production soon forced the settlers to refine these early methods.  The largest Pines became the target for anyone looking to build a boat and were quickly felled and carved into massive single log canoes.  As the largest trees disappeared and colonial industries like tobacco farming and oyster harvesting provided incentive to transport increasingly larger shipments, new boat building techniques were employed.  A new design of the log canoe was constructed where multiple logs were joined together with heavy wooden pegs called trunnels. This revolutionary technique allowed builders to construct larger, more stable vessels that were no longer restricted by the limited diameter of a single tree trunk.  The center log became the keel of the boat and the two sides were carved into the sloped hull of the boat.

Bald Cypress Applications

Colonists soon discovered that the Bald Cypress had qualities that were also ideal for use in ship building, particularly its resistance to insects and rot.  These trees can reach heights of 120 feet and live for 600 years.  The early timber industry began clear cutting the edges of the swamp to provide for the increasing need of this lumber.  Not only is the Bald Cypress ideal for shipbuilding, but it was also the preferred wood for shingles and water tanks.  Over the 17th and 18th Centuries whole swaths of Cypress swamp were clear cut to supply the region with needed lumber.  

A Shift Toward Conservation

Today the Nature Conservancy and Delaware Wild Lands own and/or manages the Great Cypress Swamp and sections of the Pocomoke River and the Nassawango Creek Preserve.  Their management plan involves letting the forest regenerate without the influence of modern development.

The transition from the intensive historical harvesting of Loblolly Pine and Bald Cypress for colonial industry to today's focused conservation efforts reflects a profound shift in our relationship with the land. While these species once formed the literal and economic foundation of early maritime and building trades, the current commitment to protecting and restoring their habitats ensures that these vital ecosystems will continue to thrive for future generations.