This large tree marks the spot where, as legend has it, Revolutionary War General William R. Davie selected the site for the University. Actually, a six-man committee from the University's first governing board chose the site in November 1792.

The massive tree has been struck by lightning and survived several hurricanes, including the damage caused in 1996 by Hurricane Fran. Davie Poplar Jr., grown from a cutting, and Davie Poplar III, grown from the eldest tree's seed, are planted nearby.