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Historic Chesterfield landmark to be demolished

TL;DR: The Nunnally Oak, a 212-year-old tree planted in 1814 beside the Chesterfield Historic Courthouse, will be removed in November 2026 due to fungal decay and structural deterioration.

The story

The Nunnally Oak, a towering landmark that has stood beside the Chesterfield Historic Courthouse for more than two centuries, will be removed beginning in November 2026 after county officials determined its health and structural integrity have declined significantly.

Planted in 1814 by Lawson Nunnally, then a deputy clerk of the county court, the oak grew to more than 18 feet in circumference over its 212 years, witnessing Chesterfield County's transformation from a rural area to a developed region. The tree became a defining feature of Courthouse Square, anchoring the heart of the county's historic center.

John Neal, Director of General Services, described the tree's current condition: "It is not doing well. It's not healthy right now. There is a lot of fungus, and some decay, and some rot in the trunk." The fungal infection and structural rot have compromised the tree beyond recovery, making removal necessary to prevent potential hazards.

Rather than discarding the historic timber, Chesterfield County has developed a plan to preserve the oak's legacy. A cross-section of the tree will be set aside for the Chesterfield Historical Society. The remaining wood will be repurposed to create benches and tables, ensuring the tree continues to serve the community in tangible form. Additionally, county officials plan to plant four saplings cultivated from the oak to carry its genetic legacy forward in coming years.

Key players

• Chesterfield County: Owner; directing removal and preservation of the tree's legacy
• John Neal: Director of General Services; explaining condition and plans
• Lawson Nunnally: Planted the oak in 1814 as deputy clerk of the county court

Key dates

• November 2026: Removal of the Nunnally Oak expected to begin

Why it matters: The Nunnally Oak has been an iconic symbol of Chesterfield's identity for over 200 years, and its removal marks the end of an era while the county works to honor that history through preservation efforts and new plantings that will ensure future generations connect to the tree's legacy.

Places

• Chesterfield Historic Courthouse
• Courthouse Square

Related links

• Chesterfield County Local Historic Landmarks
• Chesterfield Historical Society

Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 (YouTube) →

Sources

• Chesterfield landmark is coming down after more than 2 centuries: 'It is not doing well'
• Chesterfield County Local Historic Landmarks