Washington Elm

Beginning as early as the 1830s, it became popular legend that "under this tree George Washington first took command of the American Army" (supposedly the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow).

[1] The Cambridge Chronicle reported that during the war, “The venerable elm was decorated with ancient regimental standards, and a shield of liberty, and draped with flags.”[1] Baseball practices, parades, and speeches were held under the tree.

Located in the middle of Garden Street, the tree was exposed to car exhaust and the ever-present threat of a traffic accident.

[1] Upon cutting the second limb, the entire tree fell over onto its iron fence and brought the Boston Elevated Railway cable to within 15 feet (4.57 m) of the ground.

Batchelder revealed the forgeries in the tales told about Washington and the tree, in short calling the myth altogether not realistic, but the beliefs persist today.

"[3] Grafts, scions, saplings, and clones of the Washington Elm were planted across the United States in the early twentieth century.

In her accompanying notes she accepts the legend regarding George Washington but is more impressed by the tree's closeness to the seat of learning and the benefits to the nation derived therefrom.