Near Richmond in Madison County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
"Divine Elm"
Photographed by Frank Profitt, December 8, 2020
1. "Divine Elm" Marker
Near this site, close to the walls of the fort, stood the "Divine Elm," a majestic tree, under whose boughs 100 persons could be seated. The old tree served as both council chamber and church in the development of this state. On May 23, 1775, it was site of the first legislative session held in Kentucky, presided over by Colonel Richard Henderson.
Here, May 28, 1775, the first official Christian worship service in Kentucky was conducted by the Reverend John Lyth, representing the Church of England. To replace the original which fell in 1828, this elm tree was planted by the Boone Family Assn. on Sept. 2, 1927, near site of the "Divine Elm." At its roots was placed earth from thirty-seven historic American shrines.
Erected 2014 by Kentucky Historical Society. (Marker Number 1582.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Government & Politics • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 23, 1775.
Location. 37° 53.972′ N, 84° 15.963′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Kentucky, in Madison County. It can
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pioneer National Monument Association (a few steps from this marker); The First Christian Service in Kentucky (a few steps from this marker); Building Fort Boonesborough (within shouting distance of this marker); Boone Trace (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Boonesborough Revealed (within shouting distance of this marker); The Revolutionary War on the Frontier (within shouting distance of this marker); A Frontier Kidnapping (within shouting distance of this marker); A Legacy Preserved (within shouting distance of this marker).
Additional keywords. State Legislative Trees
Photographed by Frank Profitt, December 8, 2020
2. "Divine Elm" Marker
Photographed by Frank Profitt, December 8, 2020
3. "Divine Elm" Marker
Photographed by Frank Profitt, December 8, 2020
4. "Divine Elm" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2020, by Frank Profitt of Georgetown, Kentucky. This page has been viewed 1,282 times since then and 81 times this year. Last updated on January 23, 2021, by Frank Profitt of Georgetown, Kentucky. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 22, 2020, by Frank Profitt of Georgetown, Kentucky. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
