Located in the Lower North Anna Branch of Lake Anna, near “The Splits” at Lake Anna State Park, sits a blip of land officially called “Rose Valley Island.” Up until June of this year when a microburst storm came through the region, that island was the home of a very special and memorable tree: the Rose Valley Tree.
Michael Huntley, winner of the 2024 season of ‘The Voice,’ recalls teaching himself guitar on that island. “I taught myself guitar on Rose Valley Island,” said Huntley. “You know, where the one tree sticks out of the water. I used to go and sit on my dock at the end of Comfort Lane, or on the roof, right behind the Rose Valley sign.”

Huntley isn’t the only one that has a special memory or two about Rose Valley Tree.

“For decades I called it ‘One Tree Island,'” said photographer Carol Barker Wyatt. “Everyone has a story about that tree.”

Randy Thomas, a long-time resident of Lake Anna, recalls the days when the island was much larger. “It used to be a lot bigger,” Thomas said. “I guess over time the waves diminished its size.”

We asked our readers for their memories, and here’s what they said:

“We used to call this island ‘Bikini Bottom.’ There was a geocache hidden in the tree. This is my cousin and I finding that geocache.” – Mary Ann Noschese.

“I own that island according to my father in the late ’80s LOL.” – Carrie Kimmer

“Years ago, our two dogs (now deceased) sometimes would run off, exploring together (but always came back). Once, when the lake was really low, we docked our boat at Rose Valley. The dogs gleefully ran off, only to find water all around. We always shared that story with friends whenever we passed that landmark. And it helps us remember our beloved dogs.” – Del Wynne

“My kids and I always called it ‘Green Island.’ I have been on the lake since 1976 as a kid and have loved having my kids grow up visiting the lake too… They always dreamed up crazy stories about what was on the island and adventures they would have on the island… when I saw the tree had fallen, I immediately texted them and told them that the tree on Green Island had fallen, and they were so sad to hear it. It is a piece of our history!” – Ginger White Cooper

“One-afternoon last year, my two girlfriends and I got on paddleboards and paddled out to Rose Valley. We scooched our boards up on its shore… After about a half hour, the sky clouded over, and we found ourselves in the path of a fast-moving storm… Despite much effort, we weren’t able to make it back to my cove! Super scary! Outta nowhere, a huge wake and wind snatched my friend’s paddleboard and sent it flying end over end! My other friend drifted to the opposite side of the lake! Realizing we were in trouble, I started waving my paddle! Within a couple of minutes, a very thoughtful couple approached us in their pontoon boat and offered help! They were true lifesavers!!! …I don’t remember the couple’s names, but if you are reading this, THANK YOU AGAIN!! I need to buy y’all a round!” – Delilah DePiro

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