Historic Washington Elm re-dedicated on Arbor Day as part of America 250 Commemoration
Daughters of the American Revolution recreate historic dedication
CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), in partnership with the Battle Born and Nevada Sagebrush Chapters, will host a re-dedication ceremony for the historic Washington Elm on Friday, April 25, at 10 a.m. on the Capitol grounds in Carson City. The event is free and open to the public.
The ceremony marks a significant moment in both state and national history as Nevada joins in the nationwide America 250 celebration, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The event, hosted on Arbor Day, also commemorates Carson City's 31st year as a designated Tree City USA.
The Washington Elm, a direct descendant of the legendary tree in Cambridge, Massachusetts where George Washington reportedly took command of the Continental Army, was originally planted on Nevada’s Capitol grounds in 1932 by the Nevada Sagebrush Chapter of the DAR to honor the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. It now stands adjacent to the historic Blasdel Building, named for Nevada’s first governor.
The event features the presentation of the colors by the Battle Born Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, musical performance by the Mark Twain Elementary School Choir, presentations of proclamations by representatives of the Nevada State Legislature and Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, a rededication ceremony, led by Mona Crandell-Hook, State Regent, Nevada DAR and a commemorative tree planting at Carson City Hall by the Carson City Rotary Club.
“This living monument not only reminds us of the bravery and leadership of George Washington, but also of Nevada’s commitment to preserving and honoring the stories that have shaped our country,” said Crandell-Hook. “We’re proud to continue the legacy of environmental stewardship and historic recognition through this rededication of one of the only remaining Washington Elms in the United States.”
The Washington Elm in Carson City traces its roots back to the early 20th century. Saplings propagated from the original elm in Cambridge were sent to states across the nation by Mrs. James H. Dorsey, the national DAR chair of conservation and thrift. The Nevada sapling arrived in 1932 and was dedicated during a ceremony that included Civil War veterans, state officials, and local schoolchildren.
The 2025 rededication is sponsored by America250 Nevada, and is part of a broader series of America 250 Nevada events, which will culminate in a six-month celebration beginning January 1, 2026. The initiative honors the signing of the Declaration of Independence and highlights Nevada’s contributions to the nation’s past, present, and future.
For more information on America250 Nevada, visitAmerica250nv.org.
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About the Daughters of the American Revolution: The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.
About America 250 Nevada:
America 250 Nevada is part of a national initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The state’s programs aim to educate, engage, and celebrate the diverse stories and contributions of Nevadans.
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