Richfield Springs in Otsego County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sprout of George Washington Elm
Photographed by Craig Doda, April 9, 2023
1. Sprout of George Washington Elm Marker
Elm under which Washington
took command of Continental Army
July 3, 1775 Cambridge, Mass
Planted 1932 and Rededicated
1976 by D.A.R.
Erected 1976 by Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 3, 1775.
Location. 42° 51.226′ N, 74° 59.339′ W. Marker is in Richfield Springs, New York, in Otsego County. It is on West Main Street (U.S. 20) east of Elm Street, on the right when traveling east. Located at the Richfield Springs Public library and Village Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 59 W Main Street, Richfield Springs NY 13439, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Mohawk Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Richfield Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Thomas R. Proctor Clock (approx. 0.2 miles away); Adam Helmers Run (approx. Ό mile away); Spring House (approx. Ό mile away); Richfield Veterans Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Desert Storm Veterans Memorial
this page online
Regarding Sprout of George Washington Elm. The original 210-year-old tree in Cambridge died in 1923. Root shoots were sent to locations throughout the nation, and some of them still thrive today.
George Washington was not in Cambridge on July 3, 1775. The story of Washington taking command there is a myth.
Photographed by Craig Doda, April 9, 2023
2. Richfield Springs Library and Village Office
The marker is at the right of the entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 18, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 2. submitted on April 19, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
