Text of an article in the Boston
Globe, August 2, 1926. See image of
the article and tablet.
After more than two years, the spot on which once stood the
Washington Elm in Cambridge has finally been marked by a small
marble tablet at the junction of Garden and Mason sts.The
historic Elm was splintered almost to the base during a storm
about three years ago. At that time the Park Commission of
Cambridge intended immediate action to erect a memorial on
the spot. There was considerable difference of opinion as
to the type of marker to be chosen, however, and it was not
until May 12, this year, that the City Council, at the direction
of Mayor Edward W. Quinn, appropriated money for the purchase
of a memorial tablet. Two years ago a pavement was laid across
the spot where the Elm had stood and this is passed over each
day by heavy traffic. Because of this traffic, it was decided
to lay a tablet flush with the pavement.
On a small round marble slab are embossed some copper letters
stating that on that spot under and elm tree, Gen George Washington
took command of the Continental Armies on July 3, 1775.The
Washington Elm, as the tree was known for almost a century
and a half, had come to be a shrine for tourists visiting
the historical sections in and around Greater Boston. Each
year thousands made a pilgrimage to the elm.
During the past three years tourists have visited the headquarters
of various historical societies in Cambridge, seeking information
as to the exact location of the spot where the elm stood.
There is but one memorial of the famous tree. It is a sapling
which was once grafted to the Washington Elm and later presented
to the City of Boston by the City of Cambridge. The sapling
was planted in the Cambridge Common not far from the spot
where the original elm grew by Vice President Charles G. Dawes
on April 19, 1925.
On July 3 of the same year, President Coolidge delivered
a memorial address in the common on a platform erected near
the sapling in connection with the 150th anniversary of the
event which marked the turning point in the fortunes of the
Continental Armies.
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