The white pine is the largest type of pine tree growing in the United States. White pine trees usually grow to heights of 80 feet or more, and the diameters of these trees can be as much as three feet. Some people even call the white pine the “Sequoia of the Northeast” because of its majestic heights. White pine has a long history in America, dating back to colonial times when both colonists and the British learned the value of this tree. A strong symbolism connects with white pine, which has given this tree a fascinating history. Because of the characteristics of this tree, it continues to have many uses in contemporary construction.

History of White Pine

For hundreds of years, people have recognized the importance and value of white pine. The Haudenosaunee Indians chose the white pine as their tree of peace, symbolizing an important union between five different tribes. The wood coming from white pine trees has properties that make it both light and strong, which gives it desirable versatility. When the colonists arrived in America, they quickly realized that white pine was an important tree that provided valuable wood. The colonists began using white pine trees to build their homes and virtually all other structures and interior items. Because of the height and diameter of white pine trees, the colonists also discovered that these trees were perfect for ship-building. Not only would the trunks make perfect masts, but they were also ideal for ship frames and planking.

It wasn’t long before England’s King George caught on to the value of white pine trees. Because the king wanted to maintain England’s dominance, he needed the best ships for his British Royal Navy fleet. England had long since depleted its own forests for ship-building, so King George decided that he had the rights to the white pine forests in America. The king created a group of surveyors and gave them the task of designating trees to be reserved for the king’s use only. King George’s surveyors marked the biggest and best trees for the king to be used for masts for his ships. Initially, colonists ignored these designations. Problems grew as the colonists continued to cut down these trees. England began instituting stricter enforcement to reserve certain trees. Eventually, fights broke out between colonists and English surveyors. The Pine Tree Riot of 1772 was an important precursor to the Revolutionary War, fueling some of the rebellion and the fight for independence. Colonists even flew a red flag that had a green pine tree on it as a symbol of their independence.

Historical Uses

White pine has a number of historical uses aside from its valuable contribution to colonial homes and as material for both American and British ships. Native Americans discovered that they could actually eat the inner bark of white pine. Animals have long known of the white pine’s nutritional content that lies just under the bark. Colonists also discovered that properties of the inner bark made it an effective cough remedy.

Contemporary Uses

White pine continues to serve as a valuable type of lumber. The properties of this lumber make it less likely to warp and shrink than other types of wood. The straight and even grain and medium texture of white pine make it ideal for working with both machine and hand tools. In addition, white pine finishes attractively. White pine is often used as construction lumber and for building boats. This wood is also used for interior millwork and for carving. Crates and boxes may also be made out of white pine.

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