Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
George Fox Stone
Flushing Freedom Mile
This stone commemorates one of the most important events in the history of the Quaker community in Flushing. On this site on June 7, 1672, George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, preached a sermon.
Fox, an Englishman, spent two years visiting Quaker settlements throughout America. When he arrived in Flushing, he planned to deliver a sermon in John Bowne's house across the street. But the house was not large enough to accommodate the hundreds of people who came to hear him. Fox spoke instead in Bowne's garden, underneath two large oak trees. These trees, later named the "Fox Oaks," stood here until 1863, when they were destroyed by storms.
The Flushing Historical Society placed this stone in 1907.
[Captions:]
An artist's rendering of George Fox's famous sermon under the Oaks. (below)
A portrait of George Fox (1624-1691). Fox traveled throughout America from 1671 to 1673, visiting Quaker communities and preaching sermons. (right)
Erected by Queens Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Notable Events
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Location. 40° 45.793′ N, 73° 49.532′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is on Bowne Street just north of 37th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 36-40 Bowne St, 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. Fox Oaks (here, next to this marker); Margaret Carman Green (within shouting distance of this marker); John Bowne House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bowne House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bowne House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bowne House (within shouting distance of this marker); Kingsland (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kingsland Homestead (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 259 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
