Hastings in Adams County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
1883 American Elm
Ulmas americana
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2025
1. 1883 American Elm Marker
This tree is believed to be one of the original 227 trees on campus, beginning the tradition of planting and caring for trees at Hastings College. It was planted on April 25, 1883, by Hastings College Founders in celebration of the groundbreaking for McCormick Hall, the College's first permanent building. With its tenure through storms, drought, and harsh winters, it serves as a metaphor for lifetime learning and growth.
After surviving rounds of Dutch Elm Disease in the 1960s and 1970s, it remains the oldest tree on campus. Seeds are collected and sent to the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and Nebraska Forestry Service for germination. Its seedlings are distributed across campus and the state. This tree is favored due to its resistance to disease and its tall shape with a fountain top.
Erected by Hastings College.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1883.
Location. 40° 35.577′ N, 98° 22.438′ W. Marker is in Hastings, Nebraska, in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Smoky Hills and in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and on the prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McCormick Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hastings College Campus Historic District (about 600 feet away); The Art Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Heartwell Park Historic District (approx. Ό mile away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 0.8 miles away); Liberal Hall (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Stitt Building (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Victory Building
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2025
2. 1883 American Elm Marker
Looking west across the Hastings College campus. Babcock Hall is in the right background. The marker is at the base of the tree.
Also see . . . Hastings College Arboretum History (Hastings College).
Excerpt: Hastings College was founded May 18, 1882, on 10 acres of treeless prairie on the east side of Hastings. This was and is one tough place for trees with storm, weather extremes, drought and wind. Ground was broken for McCormick Hall on April 25, 1883, and Frank Weyer declared, What made it unique among groundbreaking celebrations, however, was the tree-planting activity. According to minutes of the Board of Trustees, The people of the vicinity, including the ladies and the school children, assembled on the college grounds for the purpose of setting out trees. Elinore Barber, College archivist, wrote that there, were several wagons piled with trees. She recounted that 150 persons planted 226 trees representing 33 varieties on that one day.
The Hastings College arboretum with more than 1,000 trees and several gardens is testimony to the tradition of tree planting and care nurtured by countless dedicated professionals and volunteers from 1883 to the present.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2025
3. 1883 American Elm
Looking southwest across the Hastings College campus. Taylor Hall is in the left background. This is a massive tree!
Credits. This page was last revised on March 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 49 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on March 7, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on March 8, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
