The Tree of Liberty / William Ellery Park (Newport, Rhode Island) | American Revolutionary War 1775-1783

USA / Rhode Island / Newport / Newport, Rhode Island / Farewell Street
 park, tree, American Revolutionary War 1775-1783

Almost 240 years ago William Read donated a small triangular plot of land at Thames and Farewell streets to William Ellery and other Sons of Liberty, shortly after the successful struggle to force the British Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act.

Sometime in 1765, the Sons of Liberty began rallying at the tree to protest the hated Stamp Act that the colonists believed was unjust taxation and the latest case of oppression by Parliament. Andrews said the nearby Common Burying Ground was a backdrop for mock funerals the protesters held for "Liberty." The group also hung in effigy people who defended the British policies.

The Liberty Tree remained a gathering point during the decade leading up to the Revolutionary War. The local tree became such an icon for the independence movement that Gen. Thomas Gage ordered it be cut down some time after the British occupied Newport in December 1776.

In celebration of victory in war, the departure of the British and the signing of the Treaty of Paris, Newport residents planted an oak tree at the site in 1783 that became the second Liberty Tree. It flourished until the early 1860s, as documented by paintings and illustrations. A new oak tree was planted at the site in 1876, but died just 21 years later.

The present leaf beech tree at the site, the fourth Liberty Tree, was planted in 1897. The tree was rededicated in 1919, when Henrietta C. Ellery deeded the property and the tree to the city. It is now William Ellery Park, a small "pocket park."

www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM851X_Newport_RI_Liberty_T...
see also - www.redwoodlibrary.org/notables/ellery.htm

related note - Was there a real Liberty Tree in Boston during the American Revolution?

Yes. The Liberty Tree was an Elm tree believed to be about 120 years old at the time of the Revolution and was known originally as the Great Tree due to its massive size and handsome shape. It was located on present day Washington Street at Essex, next to a former 17th century dwelling.

One August morning in 1765, Bostonians awoke to discover two effigies of British officials hanging from the lower limbs, with one of them labeled as "The Stamp Officer."

The Great Tree then became known as The Liberty Tree and was used as a rallying place for American Patriots. The Tree became famous throughout the American colonies and in England as well. It was eventually cut down by the British and gleefully turned into 14 cords of wood.
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Coordinates:   41°29'36"N   71°18'55"W
This article was last modified 11 years ago