Smithsonian Witness Elm - Washington, DC
Posted by: 
jiggs11
N 38° 53.501 W 077° 01.448
18S E 324452 N 4306703
American Elm tree planted in 1850, before construction of the Smithsonian Museum and the National Mall in central Washington, DC.
Waymark Code: WM11DPK
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 10/03/2019
Views: 5
This majestic American Elm was planted in 1850, well before the Smithsonian Museum was created and completed. It is the oldest tree in the Smithsonian Tree Collection, listed as tree #1 in a collection of over 2,000 listed trees.
It is located at the corner of Constitution Ave NW and 9th Street Northwest one block north of the National Mall.
An information marker states:
THE AMERICAN ELM THAT GREW ALONG WITH AMERICA
"This American Elm (Ulmus americana) is one of the oldest and most majestic trees on the Smithsonian grounds. It was planted in 1850, well before the opening of the National Museum of American History in 1910. Known as the Smithsonian Witness Elm, it has seen many momentous events pass between the White House and U.S. Capitol during its lifetime."
Website: [Web Link]
Historic Event:
Planted before the creation of the nearby Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
Has seen countless parades and revues for noted Americans and Heads of State.
Year: 1850
Species: American Elm
Approximate Age: 169
Location: Washington, DC
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Visit Instructions:
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