Near East Side in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

White Oak

Quercus Alba

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 20, 2009

1. White Oak Marker

Inscription. This “Bicentennial Oak” survived initial forest clearing to make way for the state capital development in 1812. In 1888 the tree became the hallmark of the most beautiful woodland boulevard in America, when William G. Deshler paid to have trees planted along Broad Street.

By 1922, traffic accidents, increased polution, and Dutch elm disease killed off most of the trees. The Bicentennial Oak has grown through two centuries of changes, from settlers moving across Ohio, to the age of automobiles and electric streetlights, to modern digital times. Analysts estimate the tree ismore than 200 years old. A probable lightning strike destroyed the central leader, or top of the tree, preventing further upward growth.

Erected by the Franklin Park Conservatory. (Marker Number 12.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 39° 58.013′ N, 82° 57.529′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in the Near East Side. Marker is on East Broad Street (U.S. 40) just east of Franklin Park West Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus OH 43203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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. War! – “It Is All Hell” (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Asians in the American Civil War (about 700 feet away); Martin Luther King Jr. Library / Architect Leon Ransom Jr. (1921 - 1971) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mount Vernon Community School (approx. 0.7 miles away); Formerly Maryland Park (approx. 0.7 miles away); Mount Vernon Avenue (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Jeffrey Mansion & Park (approx. 0.9 miles away); Engine House 11 (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Regarding White Oak. The tree did not survive a harsh winter storm early in 2009 and had to be cut down and carted away. The stump and the marker remain.

White Oak Marker and Stump image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 20, 2009

2. White Oak Marker and Stump

The Remains of the Bicentennial Oak at Franklin Park in Columbus image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 20, 2009

3. The Remains of the Bicentennial Oak at Franklin Park in Columbus

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 919 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on November 29, 2011, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.