CAPTION: The Cedar of Lebanon tree that overlooks Washington's grave site.

The Cedar of Lebanon
The cedar of Lebanon was planted Dec. 15, 1899, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Washington's death. Norton said the sapling was obtained from the U.S. Botanic Garden and brought to Mount Vernon by a Masonic delegation. The tree, which is native to the Middle East, is 70 feet tall with a trunk circumference of 156 inches. It is located adjacent to the first president's grave. "This is really special," Norton said. "You see magnificent cedars of Lebanon in Europe. There are some really beautiful ones in England. There are very, very few of these trees . . . in this area, but boy, they are gorgeous. And how nice to have it here at the tomb. It just is perfect to have it here, shading the sarcophagus area. It's a solemn area, and the tree fits quite nicely."