Americus in Sumter County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Washington Elm Tree

Elm Tree Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 24, 2011

1. Elm Tree Marker

Inscription. The tree was grown from a branch of the original “Washington Elm” under which George Washington was sworn in as Commander of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Mass. in 1775. Donated to the people of Americus and Sumter County by John H. Gray, former citizen of Americus, graduate of the Americus High School, Class of 1916, and member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Erected by Sons of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees, and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1775.

Location. 32° 4.357′ N, 84° 14.35′ W. Marker is in Americus, Georgia, in Sumter County. Marker is on West Lamar Street (Georgia Route 27) 0.1 miles west of South Dudley Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located adjacent to the parking lot in front of the new Sumter County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 West Lamar Street, Americus GA 31709, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sumter County in the Civil Rights Movement (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sumter County Courthouse Bell (about 400 feet away); Luther H. Story

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(about 400 feet away); Sumter County (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Asia/Pacific (approx. 0.2 miles away); Poverty Housing: A Global Epidemic (approx. 0.2 miles away); Deadly Insects (approx. 0.2 miles away); How blocks are made (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Americus.

Regarding Washington Elm Tree. The elm tree does not appear to be standing, and the terrain was substantially modified when the new courthouse was constructed. The marker may have been relocated due to that construction.

John H. Gray, the postmaster of Shelton, Washington at the time, presented the tree for planting on the courthouse lawn in January 1967. The marker may also date from that time.

The original tree in Cambridge died in 1923. Root shoots were sent to locations throughout the nation, and some of them still thrive, including offshoots of those decedents.
Today, historians believe the story of the Washington Elm is a myth.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. — Site of the original Washington Elm in Cambridge.

Photographed By David Seibert, January 24, 2011

2. Elm Tree Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, January 24, 2011

3. Elm Tree Marker

The marker with the new Sumter County Courthouse in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on September 5, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 25, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.