Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

American Elm

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024

1. American Elm Marker

Inscription.
Under the forebearer of this American Elm George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 3, 1775.

This sprig of the "Washington Elm" was donated to the Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff by the Coconino Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and planted here on April 22, 1931.

Plaque was replaced 1987 by Arizona Society of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Erected by Coconino Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Arizona Daughter of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Horticulture & Forestry • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Historic Trees series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1931.

Location. 35° 11.567′ N, 111° 39.361′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County. It is on Knoles Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 620 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff AZ 86001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country

and in Hopi.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The McCormick Rose (here, next to this marker); First School Opened in Flagstaff

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Navajo Code Talkers (about 500 feet away); Flagstaff Presbyterian, Federated Community, Mexican Methodist Mission and United Methodist Churches (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Riordan Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Historic Basque Handball Court (approx. half a mile away); Downtowner (approx. half a mile away); Walkway of Flags (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flagstaff.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Old Tractor (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. The marker is on the grounds of Northern Arizona University.

Regarding American 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 Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024

2. American Elm Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 330 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on December 24, 2024, by Carolyn Sanders of Plano, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.