Liberty Tree Memorial

Purpose:

Location: (Street, Park, GPS)

Alongside Squamscott River at Stewart Park.

N 42°58.983’ W070°56.930’

Date Installed:

April 24, 2009

Date or Era Referenced:

American Revolution

Description:

A small boulder in a planted green area below an elm tree with a bronze plaque inset into the boulder.

Wording:

The American Liberty Elm was named after “The Liberty Tree: Our country’s first symbol of freedom.” On the morning of August 14, 1765, the people of Boston awakened to discover two effigies suspended from an elm tree in protest of the hated Stamp Act. From that day forward that elm became known as “The Liberty Tree.” It stood in silent witness to countless meetings, speeches and celebrations, and became the rallying place for the Sons of Liberty. In August of 1775, in a last act of violence prior to their evacuation of Boston, British soldiers cut it down because it bore the name “Liberty.” Elm Research Institute, Keene, NH

Affiliations:

Elm Research Institute

Notes/comments:

• Planting and dedication of the Liberty Tree in Exeter: http://town.exeter.nh.us/libertytree.cfm
• Elm Research Institute / the Liberty Tree Program http://libertytreesociety.org/Achievements.html