Washington Elm continued

According to legend, the famous "Washington Elm," as it has been labeled, came from a scion of the tree under which General George Washington first took
command of his troops on July 3, 1775 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

A scion can be defined is a descendant or heir, or as a detached plant shoot
used in grafting. Both definitions ring true for the Washington Elm, as it
represents an important part of both American and UW history. The tree that
stands on campus is a descendant of that historic Cambridge, Massachusetts
elm.

The first scion of the Cambridge tree, sent to the University of Washington campus around the turn of the century, was planted in front of Lewis Hall. In October 1923,
the original elm in Cambridge succumbed to disease and old age. A scion was
then obtained from the tree’s only living descendant, the Washington Elm at the University of Washington, and sent back to Cambridge. The hopes that it would
grow and prosper anew were fulfilled.

But the story does not end there. Several years later the Washington Elm was
struck down by lightning. This time, a scion secured from Cambridge was sent
back to the UW, and planted between Clark Hall and the Communications
building where it flourishes today. How many of us know that we currently pass
by a scion of a scion of a scion of a legendary tree?

Special recognition and gratitude go out to the many people who have had
a hand in keeping the Washington Elm thriving on campus; from groundskeepers
to individual donors and friends. With support and care, the Washington Elm on
the UW campus, like the American spirit, will continue to survive and thrive.

The Washington Elm in its present day location

An extra special thank you goes out to Bill Talley, UW Campus Landscape Architect, who provided resources and information on this fabulous tree.

A Wonderful and Lasting Gift

A gift from the estate of Jean Edmisten Plummer will be used in the coming years to revitalize the Washington Elm. Jean attended the University of Washington in
the late 30’s and early 40’s, before moving to California with her parents.

She always remembered and appreciated the beauty of the University of Washington campus and wanted to do her part for its preservation and maintenance by leaving a portion of her estate to the UW.

For more information about the Washington Elm, please see the following articles:

Statue of George Washington from the University of Washington website

The Donor Who Saved The "U" from "Columns", September, 2003

An Evergrowing History from The Daily, February 1999

Gardener Works to Preserve History of Campus Trees from
University Week, March 2001

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