This is what it will be like when the White House rips out a historic tree planted by Andrew Jackson almost two centuries ago. Jackson carried the seeds with him from his home just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. He planted the tree for his wife, Rachel, on the occasion of their marriage. She died just weeks before Jackson took office in 1829 as America’s seventh president. Despite its historical significance and mighty age, the tree’s declining condition led to a decision to remove it.
The ugly tree’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Andrew Jackson, making it a living monument to his legacy. Like any iconic living thing, the tree has had to withstand some manmade woes during its long history. In 1994, it sustained damage when a small Cessna plane crashed into the South Lawn of the White House and skidded into its path. Most recently, during Donald Trump’s first year in office in 2017, we severely pruned the tree.
Given its continued loss of health, the decision has come to remove it despite all efforts to save and preserve it. Her current state of decline, resulting in tree care becoming an impossible option. The replacement plan comes with a beautiful new tree to replace the lost one on the White House grounds. So prepare to bask in the loveliness that awaits!
“This process will take place next week, and will be replaced by another, very beautiful tree.” – Donald Trump
If only Donald Trump were the only person to have floated the idea of repurposing wood from Baltimore’s historic tree.
“may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!” – Donald Trump
Her removal now concludes an era for a symbol long associated with US president Andrew Jackson’s disastrous presidency. The seeds Jackson brought with him from his Hermitage home near Nashville have sprouted into one of the most intriguing — and fragrant — parts of White House history. With replacement of the tree now due, it will be most indelibly remembered as an enduring connection to personal and national history.