Andersonville's Treasured Magnolias: A Story of Preservation and Renewal

Propagating and transplanting young Magnolia Tree clones preserving and repurposing history.

Andersonville National Historic Site, hallowed ground that honors the sacrifices made by American military veterans and prisoners of war throughout history, has recently undertaken a special project that intertwines history, preservation, and natural beauty. Earlier this year, a team at Andersonville carefully transplanted three young Magnolia trees, ensuring that the legacy of a historic tree lives on.

These young trees are not just any Magnolias; they are clones of an overly mature Magnolia tree that once graced the northeastern quadrant of the National Cemetery. The story of this preservation effort started in 2019 when Bartlett Tree Experts conducted a risk assessment of the historic Magnolia trees at Andersonville. The assessment revealed that the mature Magnolia in the northeastern quadrant had a moderate risk rating due to decay in its main stem. In 2023, the original tree was mostly removed, but four clones that had sprouted from its root system were left in place.

NPS Team working to transplant one of three Magnolia Tree clones.

In 2022, a planting plan was developed by cultural landscape experts in partnership with the park, outlining more than 200 trees to be planted in Andersonville National Cemetery to restore the historic character of the cemetery. The plan was carefully designed in collaboration with the park’s cemetery and archaeological staff. The decision was made to implement the planting plan in stages, recognizing the additional workload it placed on park staff. Since the cemetery does not have an irrigation system, new trees are watered manually using a 300-gallon water trailer.

The Magnolia clones remained in their original location until January 2025. New planting locations were cleared by archaeological staff and the clones were transplanted. This project serves a dual purpose:

• First, it addresses the pressing issue of limited grave space. By moving the clone trees, the park has opened approximately 95 new burial spaces, providing at least six months of additional operation.

• Second, the transplanting contributes to the cemetery’s historic character. The project aligns with the 2022 planting plan, strategically adding trees to desired locations. Furthermore, it’s a sustainable and cost-effective approach to maintaining the cemetery's beauty.

By propagating and transplanting trees, the park is essentially producing "new" trees in-house using existing equipment and saving resources. The newly transplanted trees were treated with specialized fertilizer to encourage root growth and water uptake. A board-certified master arborist on staff at the park is overseeing the trees to maximize their chances of survival.

This project highlights Andersonville National Historic Site's commitment to preserving its historical landscape while also addressing the practical needs of the National Cemetery. It demonstrates how thoughtful planning, and proactive measures can ensure that this hallowed ground remains a place of beauty, history, and remembrance for generations to come.