Kinderhook in Columbia County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fallen White Mulberry Tree
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
1. Fallen White Mulberry Tree Marker
About 1861, this white mulberry tree (morus alba) was planted across the carriage path from the large sycamore tree. The tree flourished for just under 150 years until an ice storm over this past winter (2012) caused the tree to collapse.
The National Park Service Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation and the Rhode Island School of Design Witness Tree Project have joined together at allow students to learn about United States History by creating items out of the hallowed wood of fallen trees. Wood from trees that grew at other presidential sites including George Washingtons birthplace and Theodore Roosevelts home has been used in Witness Tree design classes. Soon, the wood resting here will be cut, milled and put to creative use by RISD students.
Erected by Rhode Island School of Design.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt, and the Historic Trees series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 42° 22.187′ N, 73° 42.256′ W. Marker is in Kinderhook, New York, in Columbia County. It can be reached from Old Post Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Hudson Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Marble Mounting Block (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bustling Household (within shouting distance of this marker); Farm Operations (within shouting distance of this marker); Fertile Political Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); 1849-50 A House Transformed (within shouting distance of this marker); An Agrarian Lifestyle (within shouting distance of this marker); Lindenwald (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lindenwald and the Old Post Road (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kinderhook.
More about this marker. A picture of the mulberry tree appears on the background of the marker.
Also see . . .
1. Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. National Park Service website. (Submitted on June 22, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. Wikipedia entry:
Links to National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on March 4, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
2. Fallen White Mulberry Tree Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
3. Fallen White Mulberry Tree Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
4. Fallen White Mulberry Tree
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
5. Fallen White Mulberry Tree at Martin Van Buren NHS
The fallen tree (seen at left) is located near the mansion (visible in the background) at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 21, 2012
6. Martin Van Buren's Mansion
The Fallen White Mulberry Tree marker is located just south of this mansion. The fence surrounding it can be seen on the left of the photo.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 1, 2010
7. Lindenwald
This photo, taken in 2010, shows the still standing white mulberry tree to the left of the mansion at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,087 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 22, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
