The George Washington Witness Tree
A history of the tree
Why The Witness Tree is Important - from the Monumental Trees Website
The "George Washington Tree" at the Hale-Byrnes House is an American Sycamore No. 54211. It is approximately 289 years old, give or take 40 years. After the Battle of Cooch's Bridge on September 3, 1777 General Washington held a council of war at the Hale-Byrnes House on September 6th, 1777. George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, Henry Knox, the Marquis de Lafayette and other prominent Continental Army officers were in attendance. Their goal was to plan the defense of Philadelphia. The Hale-Byrnes House with the George Washington Tree in the front yard/garden is located on the west bank of White Clay Creek. Where the old King's Highway and Ogletown Road meet which leads to Newark. This is why it was so significant in 1777. During that visit, it has been documented that Washington's men sat under this already full-grown Sycamore tree in front of the house...If you get a chance, come out and see/get selfies with the tree, and the Hale-Byrnes House. The grounds close at dusk, and the house is open the 1st Wednesday of every month from April - December 12-3pm for tours.
American Sycamore 'The George Washington Witness Tree' in the front garden of the Hale Byrnes House in Newark, Delaware, United States
Please click on the link below to read the full article of the 2022 report as well as links to other resources:
The Witness Tree Today
While the tree continues to bloom every year, this historical tree is, unfortunately in poor health today.
While the Witness Tree observed Delaware for generations, it has acquired a series of ailments and experts fear it's at the end of its life. The tree is dying from a combination of age and diseases like leaf scorch, black spot, powdery mildew, and fungus. It has also become a safety concern due to being hollowed out.
“Every year we have arborists come and take a look at it. The arborists always say as long as the tree puts out a full limb of leaves, it’s alright,” said Kim Burdick, resident site manager for the Hale-Byrnes House. “It has pretty good care, although it’s hollow so people fear it will tip over.”
Kim Burdick
There have been a couple of attempts over the years to take cuttings from the tree and plant them to grow saplings. To date none of these attempts have been successful.
The DSPA Hale-Byrnes House is owned by the State of Delaware but is run by our 501c-3 non-profit. We do not receive public money for routine maintenance, insurance, flood cleanup, or grounds upkeep, like the George Washington Witness Tree. Your donations help us maintain the building and grounds and support our ongoing public programs. Contributions are tax deductible. To donate, please visit our Donations Page.
Prelude to Brandywine - Memorializing The Tree
Please click on the link below to read the full December, 2022 article:
Given the tree’s current condition, members of the Halye-Byrnes group came together earlier this year to raise money for a painting of the famous meeting held at the site...The painting, called “Prelude to Brandywine,” was commissioned by Bryant White, a painter of Revolutionary War-era scenes and a reenactor, and will remain in the front room of the Hale-Byrnes House after the unveiling.
Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware Online
Other News Coverage of the Prelude to Brandywine
