Over the past several weeks this spring, four Liberty Trees have been planted by the Cincinnati Chapter to help commemorate America 250. This is part of the NSSAR Liberty Tree project.
The story behind the Liberty Tree program
The 250th SAR Liberty Tree Program was rolled out at the Spring 2023 Leadership meeting by the NSSAR History 250 Committee the goal of planting 250 Liberty Trees for the 250th Anniversary with at least one tree in each state on or before July 4, 2026.
Sample plaque to be placed with each Liberty Tree
The committee felt that planting Liberty Trees would help educate the public of the importance of the American Revolution and the sacrifices that were made to become our nation. Trees are installed with a dedication plaque. It is recommended that the Liberty Trees be planted in counties or cities named after a Patriot or in a location that will serve as a tribute to veterans.
Example of the parent of the Liberty Trees to be planted across the USA
The original Liberty Tree (1646–1775) was a famous elm tree that stood in Boston near Boston Common, in the years before the American Revolution. In 1765, colonists in Boston staged the first act of defiance against the British government at the tree. The tree became a rallying point for the growing resistance to the rule of Britain over the American colonies, and the ground surrounding it became known as Liberty Hall. In 1775 the British had enough of these rebellious rallies at the Liberty Tree and had it cut down.
All of the Cincinnati Chapter’s trees are a variety of disease resistant American Elm trees named “Patriot”, which was developed in Delaware, OH.
All the Cincinnati Chapter’s Liberty Trees are yet to be marked and dedicated. Plans are to dedicate the trees in 2026. At this time, no dedication dates have been set.
The locations of the four trees planted by the Cincinnati Chapter are:
Blue Ash, Hamilton County, OH
Scott Freeman with Blue Ash Liberty Tree
This tree is planted on the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash Campus. Hamilton County is named after founding father and Revolutionary War officer, Alexander Hamilton.
Purchased by the Cincinnati Chapter and planted with the assistance of the UC Blue Ash maintenance and grounds crew, this tree was sponsored by Compatriot Douglas Carver, who started a scholarship for US Veteran students at UC Blue Ash in 2024.
Ironton, Lawrence County, OH
Scott Freeman with the Ironton Liberty Tree
This tree is planted on an undeveloped 1.1-acre parcel of land near the Ohio River and adjacent to the Ironton Elementary and Middle Schools. It is on land originally acquired in 1810 by Revolutionary War Veteran Josiah Lambert (SAR Patriot # P-232519) known as the “River Bottom Farm”. Originally, the land was in Scioto County. Lawrence County was formed from parts of Scioto and Gallia counties and established in 1817. Lawrence County is named for the Captain James Lawrence, famous US Naval Officer during the war of 1812.
Purchased and planted by the Cincinnati Chapter, this tree was sponsored by chapter President Scott Freeman.
Montgomery, Hamiliton County, OH
Scott Freeman with the Montgomery Liberty Tree
This tree is planted in Swaim Park, a city park that is part of an original farmstead with the Wilder-Swaim farmhouse (c. 1832) still standing on the corner of Zig Zag Road and Cooper Road. The City of Montgomery is named after Revolutionary War hero, Major General Richard Montgomery, killed at the Battle of Quebec in 1775.
This tree was purchased and planted by the City of Montgomery for the Cincinnati Chapter.
West Chester, Butler County, OH
The Butler County Liberty Tree
This tree is planted at the West Chester Branch of the Mid Pointe Library in Butler County. Butler county is named after Revolutionary War hero General Richard Butler, later killed fighting Native Americans in 1791 at the Battle of Wabash, also known as St. Claire’s Defeat.
The purchase and planting of this tree was paid for by Cincinnati chapter Secretary Robert Bowers.
We are excited and honored to participate in the Liberty Tree program.
Go USA!
