New Jersey has been home to a variety of historic attractions over the years, many of which have since shut down. While we were sad to see the USS Ling submarine go, the most devastating blow may have been the day the Salem Oak died. The iconic tree was over 600 years old at the time of its passing and even received its own obituary.
The massive Salem Oak inspired writers and artists for generations, and was the subject of several poems and paintings. Here it is pictured on a postcard from the 1930s-40s.
Boston Public Library/Flickr
The tree had weathered countless storms and lost several branches by the time of its passing - the evening of June 6th, 2019. Community members were devastated.
neilfein/Flickr
Understandably so! The tree was a significant piece of New Jersey’s history. Surrounded by a Quaker cemetery, Betsy Ross’s father was buried beneath the oak’s branches.
Zanna McNeil/Google
While the tree may be gone, its children will live on. The seedlings from the Salem Oak Tree will be given to each of the New Jersey’s 565 municipalities for Earth Day (April 24th), 2020.
Mark Q/Google
You can learn more in the video below!
Boston Public Library/Flickr
neilfein/Flickr
Zanna McNeil/Google
Mark Q/Google
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Address: Salem, NJ, USA
