May 16th Rare Autograph Auction
Wooden fragment with bronze plaque affixed reading: "A piece of the elm tree formerly standing in Cambridge, Massachusetts under which George Washington took command of the American Army July 3, 1775 / Presented by The City of Cambridge 1924." The piece is 10.25" x 3.25" x 6.25"
The "Washington Elm" was located at the center of the Cambridge, MA, and after the revolution was marked with a sign announcing that "Under this tree Washington first took command of the American Army July 3rd 1775." Even as the city grew up around it, the tree held an important place in civic life, especially during the Civil War. Then, in 1923, while arborists were trimming it in the hope of prolonging its life, the tree collapsed.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA
Washington Elm Presentation Piece of Original Cambridge, MA Tree
Click above for larger image.