Alabama to honor 250th birthday of America with trees

Officials from Autauga County receive a Liberty Tree which will be planted in their county to honor the 250th anniversary of America – Photo from The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission

While America plans to honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country this summer, Alabama wants to remember this occasion with the planting of trees statewide.

The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission has announced that 34 of Alabama’s 67 counties have been approved to receive a Liberty Tree as part of a statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Each participating county will receive a 6- to 8-foot Princeton Elm tree along with a commemorative bronze plaque. The Liberty Trees are intended to serve as a lasting, living legacy honoring the nation’s founding.

Each county chooses an appropriate location and oversees the planting and long-term care of the tree.

The Princeton Elm will grow to be about 70 feet tall and wide after 20-30 years.

The Liberty Tree itself holds a special place in American history. In the years leading up to the American Revolution, a stately elm on the Boston Common became a gathering place for colonists protesting British rule. When loyalists cut down the original Liberty Tree in August 1775 in an attempt to silence the movement, patriots across the thirteen colonies responded by designating new Liberty Trees as symbols of resistance and unity.

Additional counties are encouraged to apply to receive a Liberty Tree as Alabama continues preparations for America’s 250th anniversary this year.

CLICK HERE for more information about statewide initiatives commemorating the Semiquincentennial.