This is an object that has been an important part of my family's history and shows remembrance, heritage, and tradition. The Big Pine is an extraordinarily large pine tree that has been on my family's land in Mississippi for over four generations. This tree was standing on my great-great grandfather Zachariah Alexander Wasson's land when he settled there in the late 1800's. Back then my family owned a land company that still operates today. He chose a life out in the country instead of the city for his family. We are not sure how this tree came to be but, it has been there for over one hundred. It takes about five adults hand to hand to stand all the way around it. This is also important because throughout the years it has kept my family close. Every year at Thanksgiving the Wasson family gathers outside of Kosciusko, Mississippi at a place named Shady Grove. At Shady Grove there is an old house my grandfather built and where he raised his family.  A newer house, with modern conveniences, was built on the same land in the 1980s. This is where we have Thanksgiving and family reunions. Many family members will walk along the creek or take a 4-wheeler ride down to the Great Pine in remembrance of our strong, lasting family relationships. Ever since my grandmother told me about the history of this special place, I have been thankful for the memories my family has shared there, for the land picked out by my ancestor, and the tree that is rooted in our family history.  

– Olivia Wasson

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more