Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Weeping Beech Tree
Flushing Freedom Mile
The Weeping Beech Tree that once stood in this park was the first of its species to grow in this country. It was planted in 1847 by Samuel Bowne Parsons, a Flushing nursery owner. Parsons, who provided Manhattan's Central Park with many of its original trees, brought the Weeping Beech cultivar to America from Belgium.
The tree was given landmark status in 1966, and was the first living landmark in New York City.
Although it died in 1998, its offspring can be found in Flushing and throughout the country: all Weeping Beech trees in the United States are said to be descended from this one tree.
This site was originally part of the Parsons Nursery owned by Samuel and his brother Robert Bowne Parsons. Also known for their humanitarian works, the brothers were active in the Underground Railroad.
[Captions:]
Horticulturalist Samuel Bowne Parsons (1819-1906), son of Samuel Parsons, established his nursery on the site of this park in 1838. (below)
In its prime, the Weeping Beech, Fagus Sylvatica 'Pendula,' stood 65 feet tall, had a trunk circumference of 14 feet, and
this page online
Erected by Queens Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Horticulture & Forestry • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the New York, Flushing Freedom Mile series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 40° 45.814′ N, 73° 49.434′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is on 37th Avenue just west of Parsons Boulevard, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 143-35 37th Avenue, Flushing NY 11354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Weeping Beech Tree (here, next to this marker); Kingsland Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Kingsland Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); Kingsland (within shouting distance of this marker); John Bowne House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Margaret Carman Green (about 400 feet away); The Bowne House (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Bowne House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
