Danvers in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Endecott Pear Tree

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024

1. The Endecott Pear Tree Marker

Inscription. Growing on this site is the oldest cultivated tree in America, planted ca. 1632 by John Endecott, first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The “Endecott Pear Tree” is a living link to the earliest European settlers of our nation. Endecott was granted 300 acres where he settled and farmed, calling this property “Orchard Farm”. This ancient tree lives as a symbol of heritage, strength and resilience.

Erected 2011 by Gov. John Endecott Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees, and the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1632.

Location. 42° 32.9′ N, 70° 55.822′ W. Marker is in Danvers, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It can be reached from the intersection of Endicott Street and Hutchinson Drive, on the left when traveling west. Marker is in the rear parking lot of Massachusetts General Hospital-Danvers. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Endicott St, Danvers MA 01923, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’ North Shore,

in Greater Boston,

and in the Merrimack Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Danversport (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of Israel Hutchinson's Home / Israel Hutchinson

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Porter's Burial Ground (approx. 1.1 miles away); Rebecca Nurse Homestead (approx. 1.1 miles away); In Commemoration of Arnold's Expedition to Quebec (approx. 1.2 miles away); Anne L. Page (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Plains (approx. 1.3 miles away); John Southwick House (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danvers.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Endecott Pear Tree (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Endicott Pear Tree. Wikipedia article on the historic tree, of which Endecott reportedly said as he planted it: “I hope the tree will love the soil of the old world and no doubt when we have gone the tree will still be alive.” (Submitted on November 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024

2. The Endecott Pear Tree Marker

The Endecott Pear Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 1, 2024

3. The Endecott Pear Tree

It is down a hill from the marker, and now protected by an iron fence.

Governor John Endecott (c. 1588-1665) image. Click for full size.

Frank Cousins (photographer); Phillips Library, Peabody Essex Museum via Digital Commonwealth (Public Domain)

4. Governor John Endecott (c. 1588-1665)

His pear tree has survived at least three hurricanes, a near-fatal vandal attack and encroaching development. As of 2024, it still produces fruit.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 10, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.