Legend of the White Pine

Why “White Pine”? At one time much of Michigan was covered with white pine forests, earning the white pine the distinction of being named the state tree of Michigan. However, the white pine became the building material of choice for fast-developing Chicago and logging began in earnest. After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 forced a second wave of demand for the coveted lumber, the forests were virtually eliminated as the city rebuilt. There is only one white pine left on our 22 acres and legend has it that lumberjacks “pardoned” our tree because it had a less than perfect trunk, leaving it to thrive and become our community’s namesake. Visit White Pine New Buffalo and you’ll find our lone white pine on our walking tour.