East Marlborough Township in Kennett Square in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
| | North America | |
A Stately Survivor
The American Elm is known for its towering height and wide branches that create a "cathedral ceiling" effect.
This mature specimen is the last remaining tree from an allιe planted in the 1930s. Unfortunately, during that era, Dutch elm disease, a fungal disease from Europe, caused elms to decline. Before the onset of this disease, these trees had lifespans of hundreds of years. Ongoing efforts are focused on restoring and protecting this iconic species.
Historic Tree Preservation
To care for this hundred-year-old beauty, we focus on maintaining its health above and below ground. The trunk has a large scar from a windstorm in 1998, and a significant limb fell in 2021, but it is still going strong.
Erected by Longwood Gardens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1998.
Location. 39° 52.317′ N, 75° 40.496′ W. Marker is in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. It is in East Marlborough Township. It can be reached from Longwood Road
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in 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: A Century of Great Art (within shouting distance of this marker); Open Air Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Japanese Flowering Dogwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Flower Garden Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Open Air Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Weeping Hemlock (about 400 feet away); Iron Snakes (about 500 feet away); Topiary Garden
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 25, 2025
2. American Elm Marker at the base of the tree
Other markers no longer nearby. American Elm (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); A Celebration of Art and Nature (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Fountains / Concerts (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Additional keywords. introduced diseases
Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 11, 2026
3. American Elm Marker - view of tree
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 38 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on April 11, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
