Corydon in Harrison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Constitution Elm
Photographed By Cindy Irick, August 4, 2019
1. Constitution Elm Marker
Constitution Elm
On this spot, beneath the shade of the elm the Constitution of Indiana was framed in June, 1816
This tree lived until 1925, attaining a height of fifty feet. A trunk diameter of five feet and a spread of one hundred thirty- two feet.
This monument was erected in 1936
Erected 1936 by Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Historic Trees series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.
Location. 38° 12.807′ N, 86° 7.641′ W. Marker is in Corydon, Indiana, in Harrison County. Marker is on West High Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W High St, Corydon IN 47112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Branches of History (here, next to this marker); "The Courthouse On The Hill" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Henry Harrison Log Cabin (about 300 feet away); O'Bannon Publishing Company (about 600 feet away); Dedicated In Everlasting Tribute (about 600 feet
this page online
Regarding Constitution Elm. In 1815, Indiana Territory’s House of Representatives voted in favor of requesting statehood from Congress. The Federal government approved the measure under the Enabling Act of 1816. President James Madison signed the bill into law in April 1816. Indiana delegates were free to write their state constitution.
Forty-three delegates met in 1816 to draft Indiana's first constitution. Due to the sweltering heat, the delegates moved outside and continued their work under the branches of an enormous elm. Although the tree died of Dutch Elm disease in 1925, its trunk is still preserved.
Also see . . . Corydon Chapter DAR connection to the Constitution Elm. The site discusses the role of the Corydon Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in the protection of the Constitution Elm. (Submitted on April 27, 2023, by Carolyn Sanders of Plano, Texas.)
Photographed By Cindy Irick, August 4, 2019
2. Constitution Elm Marker
marker as seen from across the street
Photographed By Cindy Irick, August 4, 2019
3. Constitution Elm Marker
the stump, inside the stone pavilion
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 4, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
