Noke Novelties are interesting aspects, picturesque moments, and other quaint nuances of or about the Roanoke area.

The Stone and Tree on Ferdinand Avenue in Roanoke City (3/13/08)

You have probably seen it before.

I frequently travel along Ferdinand Avenue in Roanoke City and on occasion have noticed a stone on the side of the road. It’s located on the same side of the train tracks and opposite the intersection with 10th Street.

There’s also a tree directly behind the stone that was seemingly planted to act as a marker. Even as driving past I could tell the stone was inscribed with some kind of writing. But I never bothered to stop and find out why on earth it’s there. Or more importantly, what it says.

Until now.

The apparent reason the stone’s existence is to mark an old tract of land dating back to the late 1700s.

The writing on the stone says:

“THIS TREE MARKED THE BOUNDARY LINE OF A 150 ACRE TRACT OF LAND CONVEYED TO JAMES ALEXANDER FOR FIFTEEN SHILLINGS BY GEORGE III, KING OF ENGLAND. AUGUST 3, 1771.”

Hmm, interesting, and I’m really at a loss for words here. But, if you’re in the mood for a bit of Roanoke area historic nostalgia then stop by and check it out in person.