Wood relic cut from the so-called 'Washington Elm' in Cambridge, Massachusetts, measuring approximately 6 x 2.5 x 1, bearing a metal plaque that reads: "A piece of the elm tree formerly standing in Cambridge, Massachusetts under which George Washington took command of the American Army, July 3, 1775. Presented by the City of Cambridge, 1924." In fine condition. The 'Washington Elm' stood on Cambridge Common, and as early as the 1830s legend developed that Washington had taken command of the American Army there in 1775. In 1923, the diseased tree was cut down by city workers and segmented into souvenir relics such as this, which were distributed throughout the country. In 1925, the legend of Washington's taking command under the tree was discredited before the Cambridge Historical Society in a paper by Samuel F. Batchelder. Today, the Cambridge Historical Society holds the legend as a myth, but nevertheless maintains that 'the image of the tree remains a symbol of patriotism in Cambridge.' An interesting historical relic.
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