The Commander writing instrument is made in partnership with George Washington’s Mount Vernon and handcrafted from white oak planted in 1785 at George Washington’s direction. These trees were part of a trio that once lined the historic entry road to Mount Vernon, welcoming visitors to the estate.

Known today as the Civil War Trees, the three oaks stood for more than two centuries. Following the Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln ordered a grand celebratory parade in Washington, D.C., General William Tecumseh Sherman’s soldiers visited Mount Vernon and carved their insignia—a star and a cross—into each of the trees. Over time, the oaks were lost to age and condition: one fell approximately 45 years ago, another in 2014, and the final tree in 2017.

This pen continues the historic journey of that wood—transforming a preserved fragment of America’s past into a functional heirloom meant to be used, carried, and passed down.

This piece is not a replica, nor a novelty. It is a tangible connection to one of the most significant figures and landscapes in United States history, honoring both fine craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of George Washington.

Washington lived at Mount Vernon for much of his life and considered it his true home, returning there between military and public service and permanently after his presidency in 1797. He died at Mount Vernon in 1799 and is buried on the property.

In 1860, the estate was saved from ruin by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, making it the first major historic preservation effort in the United States. Today, Mount Vernon is preserved as a historic site and museum, offering insight into Washington’s life, leadership, and the early history of the nation.

Roots & Jones is honored to be entrusted by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association with this extraordinary material. As shared in our earliest conversations, the release of the Civil War Trees was said to take “an act of Congress.” Through a shared commitment to preservation, stewardship, and education, we were granted a small section of the Civil War Oak to craft this collection of writing instruments. Each pen sold directly supports the continued preservation of Mount Vernon and the legacy of our first Commander in Chief.

Available as either a rollerball or fountain pen, The Commander features George Washington’s handwritten initials embossed on the finial. Each pen is presented in a custom box bearing his signature.

The fountain pen is fitted with a medium 18K gold nib and includes both a cartridge and a converter. Every piece is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the 24th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

Please contact us if you prefer a different nib size; we can accommodate your needs.