"Named In 1875, By Confederate Lt. Richard Field, For General Robert E. Lee"

"This tree, over 22 feet in diameter and 254 feet high, has survived many fires as shown by the numerous scars at its base. These injuries, all over 100 years old, caused the top to die back as water and food supplies were reduced. The fibrous, fire-resistant bark, 2 feet or more in thickness on some trees, helps protect them from more severe damage during such fires."