Introduction to the Washington Elm
This is what the Washignton Elm looks like now:
The stone marker below this otherwise unremarkable tree along
Garden street in the Cambridge Common reads "UNDER THIS
TREE WASHINGTON FIRST TOOK COMMAND OF THE AMERICAN FORCES
JULY 3, 1775".
Does the image below, published in 1876 by Currier and Ives,
show what the common looked like on July 3, 1775?
Professional historians, as well as enthusiasts for General
Washington agree that his taking command of the American army
marked a major moment in the Revolution. But why? Did people
at the time recognize the importance of the day? Did his brilliant
stewardship radically change the army? Was he already becoming
the father of his country when he rode into Cambridge in July,
1775? Why else has the moment been so celebrated in Cambridge
and national history?
Is this what the area looked like on July 3, 1775?
Explore this site to learn more about General
Washington and the tree in Cambridge that commemorates him. Begin
by looking at sources created
in 1775 by General Washington, political leaders, and ordinary
soldiers. Then browse later
interpretations by nineteenth and twentieth century observers
and authors of the day, the man and the tree. Finally, consider
some scholarly comments
on the General's role in shaping the army and the Revolution.
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