SOMERSET COUNTY, MD - A descendant of Maryland’s historic Liberty Tree was celebrated at Janes Island State Park as part of a statewide effort to honor the nation’s founding ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
Liberty Trees once served as gathering places for patriots resisting British rule during the American Revolution. The tree dedicated in Somerset County traces its lineage to Maryland’s original Liberty Tree, a tulip poplar dating back to 1775.
“Our Maryland Liberty Tree was originally in Annapolis at Saint John's College and it was in existence for over 400 years,” said William Boston with the Sons of the American Revolution.
The original tree stood 124 feet tall until Hurricane Floyd caused irreparable damage, forcing its removal in 1999. Today’s Liberty Trees are the product of seeds collected from that original tree.
“Genetically, the exact same tree as the original. So it's still living even in a smaller size for a few years,” Boston said.
The tulip poplar is native to Maryland. Officials said the tree was planted several months before being relocated to Janes Island State Park for Wednesday’s ceremony. Rachel Egolf with the Maryland Forest Service helped with the move.
“To get it established in the ground so that it would be growing well for today and look as healthy and vibrant as it does,” said Egolf.
Members of both the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution attended the event, which included patriotic songs and a musket salute honoring the tree’s historic significance.
State Senator Mary Beth Carozza said the planting will help preserve the symbol’s legacy for future generations.
“It will show that future generations will be able to see the enduring symbol of the liberty tree and everything it stands for,” Carozza said. “America's ideals.”
The Maryland Liberty Tree Project is a statewide project in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, with the goal of planting a Liberty Tree in every county in Maryland.
