This painting is a memorial to this old oak tree and those who sought it's shelter of shade and protection. The "Merry Oak" stood on land owned by The Smithfield Planation for over 400 years. A recent storm ended this iconic sight so strongly connected to the history of slavey at Smithfield and in the New River Valley of Virginia. This image shows the oak as it looked many years ago and what remained (in color) of the oak before it was destroyed by the storm.