Cross Section of the Washington Elm, 1924
Add to SetSummary
On July 3, 1775, George Washington took command of the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This act, according to legend, occurred under a stately elm. The story, whether true or fictitious, and the tree itself connected Americans with the Revolutionary-era principles that helped form our unique national identity. The 200-year-old tree fell in 1923 and its wood was cut into commemorative sections and carved into mementos.
On July 3, 1775, George Washington took command of the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This act, according to legend, occurred under a stately elm. The story, whether true or fictitious, and the tree itself connected Americans with the Revolutionary-era principles that helped form our unique national identity. The 200-year-old tree fell in 1923 and its wood was cut into commemorative sections and carved into mementos.
Artifact
Commemorative
Date Made
1924
Subject Date
1775
Creators
Unknown
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
38.187.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Boston Antique Shop.
Material
Elm (Wood)
Metal
Color
Brown
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 5 in
Width: 16.5 in
Length: 17 in
Inscriptions
on plaque tacked to top of cross section: A PIECE OF THE ELM TREE FORMERLY / STANDING IN / CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS / UNDER WHICH / GEORGE WASHINGTON / TOOK COMMAND OF THE / AMERICAN ARMY / JULY 3, 1775 / PRESENTED / BY / THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE / 1924
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