Sassafras Tree — Attraction in Owensboro

Oh my God. This tree. This tree works miracles.

Here is the tale of this tree.

One day, as my family was leaving the town, we were looking for something to do. My mother found that the worlds biggest sassafras tree was around the area. I was not particularly excited, because, after all, we were just going to see some tree. But that's what I thought. He is so much more than a tree.

That day, I got out of the car, Not particularly excited to see "Some tree." I walked up to the tree, and then it hit me. I saw all of its inner beauty. I looked up, examining it, and touching it, stroking it, unable to let go. I started uncontrollably sobbing. It had gotten cut down for being too tall. I was devistated. Heartbroken. I slowly ran my hand down its bark, comforting it, while tears were streaming down my face. I named him Bartholemeu.

A few beautiful, calm, moments passed when I heard my mom call for me to get in the car and hurry up because they were freezing. I gave Bartholemeu a gentle goodbye kiss, and broke off a piece of his bark so I can always have him with me.

A few months of pure pain passed. How was I supposed to go on without Bartholemeu in my sights? Obviously, I took pictures and printed them out, sticking them all over my room. But pictures weren't the same. The only thing that kept me going was the sacred, beloved, blessed bark that I had snapped off Bartholemeu. I gently stroked it, for hours every day.

I've begged my parents, time after time, to let us go visit Bartholemeu again. They keep asking about my "Weird obsession" with this tree. They also said it was too far away for nothing. I screamed and cried, Howling at them out of anger, by calling Bartholemeu just a mere tree, and "Nothing."

If my dear Bartholemeu is listening, This is one thing I have to say to him. My dear Bartholemeu, o how my heart has gone out in sorrow for you, the many tears that have been fallen for you are countless. You are the most special thing in my life. I promise to see you...

While the sheer circumference of the trunk is impressive, the tree has suffered in recent years. Utility lines that run through its branches have required extensive pruning as has its growth out over Frederica Street. Tourists literally have to pull over and park on busy KY-2831 southbound to get out to view the tree which is near the edge of the road but on private property. So it is not a spot where one feels comfortable to pause, rest...

I have lived in Owensboro all of my life except eight years. My children and grandchildren know of this tree. They find it amazing as well as I do. If you are in Owensboro and can take a few minutes out of your time, by all means stop by and see the tree and read the Historical Marker. Just stop and think about how this tree has been around when nothing much...