Elm Tree in Memory of
George Washington,
Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University

Historical Significance:        
This specimen American elm witnessed Arizona’s statehood from afar, while it was still attached  to the American elm tree that George Washington stood under in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1775 when he took command of the Continental Army at the beginning of the American Revolution.

Cuttings were taken of the Cambridge American elm and sent around the country. This particular shoot was planted in Flagstaff on the campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU) on April 22, 1931, in front of Old Main.

Its livelihood is under the watchful eye of the Coconino Chapter, NSDAR, who have taken measures to ensure its preservation and propagation through a partnership with NAU botanists. Along with preservation, they hope to use cuttings from the tree to re-introduce the species after the devastating Dutch elm disease epidemic of the past.

The original marker reads, “Under the Forebearer of this American Elm George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 3, 1775. / This sprig of the “Washington Elm” was donated to the Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff by the Coconino Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and planted here April 22, 1931. [Unreadable text.]” A second plaque in the shape of Arizona reads, “The Arizona Community Tree Council and the Arizona Centenial Foundation designate this tree as a Centennial Witness Tree, verified to have witnessed Arizona’s State History from February 14, 1912, to February 14, 2012.”

This witness tree signifies the link between Arizona’s statehood and the Republic.

A second George Washington elm tree is planted at the Yuma County Courthouse.

Dedicated: 
April 22, 1931

Sponsor:
Coconino Chapter, NSDAR