Cambridge in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Washington Elm
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009
1. Washington First Took Command Marker
Under this tree Washington first took command of the American Army, July 3d 1775.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1814.
Location. 42° 22.583′ N, 71° 7.29′ W. Marker is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker is on Garden Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located on the Cambridge Common. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cambridge MA 02138, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gen. Casimir Pulaski (a few steps from this marker); These Cannon Were Abandoned (a few steps from this marker); Washington’s General Orders (a few steps from this marker); Gen. Thaddeus Kosciuszko (a few steps from this marker); Prince Hall Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Old Charlestown – Watertown Path (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Henry Knox Trail
this page online
Regarding Washington Elm. The original 210-year-old tree died in 1923. Root shoots were sent to locations throughout the nation, and some of them still thrive today. An offshoot tree in the state of Washington was used to create the tree seen here today.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Washington Elm trees grown from the original.
Also see . . . Washington Elm - Wikipedia page. The story of Washington taking command here might be only a myth. (Submitted on October 29, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009
2. Marker on the Cambridge Common
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009
3. Washington Marker in Cambridge
Internet Archive
4. The Washington Elm
“Under this tree Washington first took command of the Amerian Army, July 3d, 1775,”
from American History Stories, by Mara Louise Pratt Chadwick, 1889, Vol. II, page 70.
from American History Stories, by Mara Louise Pratt Chadwick, 1889, Vol. II, page 70.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,191 times since then and 106 times this year. Last updated on October 29, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on January 2, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
