Historical uses Pinus strobus

the species imported in 1620 england captain george weymouth, planted timber crop, had little success because of white pine blister rust disease.

old growth pine in americas, of various pinus species, highly desired wood since huge, knot-free boards rule rather exception. pine common , easy cut, many colonial homes used pine paneling, floors , furniture. pine favorite tree of loggers since pine logs can still processed in lumber mill year or more after being cut down. in contrast, hardwood trees such cherry, maple, oak, , ash must cut 1” thick boards after felling or large cracks develop in trunk can render wood worthless.

although eastern white pine used flooring in buildings constructed before u.s. civil war, wood soft , tend cup on time wear. george washington opted harder southern yellow pine @ mount vernon instead.

masts

during age of square riggers, tall white pines high quality wood in thirteen colonies known mast pines. marked agents of crown broad arrow, these mast pines reserved british royal navy.

special barge-like vessels built ship 50 pine trunks destined become masts. wood squared after felling fit in holds of ships better. 30 m (100 ft) mast 91 cm × 91 cm (3 ft × 3 ft) @ butt , 61 cm × 61 cm (2 ft × 2 ft) @ top, while 37 m (120 ft) mast 1.2 m × 1.2 m (4 ft × 4 ft) 76 cm (30 in) on ends.

marking of large specimens crown controversial in colonies, leading pine tree riot in 1772; act of rebellion played significant role in events leading american revolution. during conflict colonists cut down , hauled off many mast pines.

the original masts on uss constitution single trees later replaced laminated spars better withstand cannonballs. unusual large, lone, white pine found in colonial times in coastal south carolina along black river, far east of southernmost normal range. king s mark carved it, giving rise town of kingstree.