The Ellipse in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The National Christmas Tree

President's Park

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

The National Christmas Tree Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 27, 2019

1. The National Christmas Tree Marker

Inscription. The National Christmas Tree has been located at the site in front of you since 1973. Calvin Coolidge was the first president to light the National Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve, 1923. Since that time presidents have continued the tradition in various ways. In 1926, a signal flare announced the lighting to the city. In 1932, holiday carols played over loudspeakers hidden in the branches. The ceremony today includes live music and dance performances broadcast to the nation.

(Caption)
President Calvin Coolidge (1923-29) becomes the first president to light a Christmas Tree on the Ellipse on December 24, 1923.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #30 Calvin Coolidge, and the Historic Trees series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 24, 1923.

Location. 38° 53.704′ N, 77° 2.172′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The Ellipse. Marker can be reached from E Street Northwest west of 15th Street Northwest, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 E Street Northwest, Washington DC 20502, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Zero Milestone (within shouting distance of this marker); White House Kitchen Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); John Saul (within shouting distance of this marker); White House Ablaze (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Tecumseh Sherman (about 600 feet away); Boy Scout Memorial (about 700 feet away); Original Patentees Memorial (about 800 feet away); Alexander Hamilton Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

The National Christmas Tree with the Marker in front image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 27, 2019

2. The National Christmas Tree with the Marker in front

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.