KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As a kickoff to celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States in Kalamazoo County, the Lucinda
Hinsdale Stone Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony in Bronson Park this Sunday
Organizers say the original Liberty Tree was a large elm tree near Boston Common that served as a meeting place for colonists opposed to the British government. In 1765, opposition to the Stamp Act was organized underneath the tree. The tree inspired Liberty Trees in other locations throughout the American colonies. Boston’s Liberty Tree was cut down by Loyalists in 1775. In 1776, a Liberty Pole was placed at the former site of the tree.
The Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Chapter erected and dedicated a 100-foot steel flagpole as a Liberty Pole in Bronson Park to be a gift to the people of Kalamazoo on July 4, 1907. The Liberty Pole marker now seen on a memorial boulder in the park was dedicated Flag Day, June 14, 1913.
At some point, the pole was removed from the park, possibly to be melted down as part of war efforts in the 1940s.
The tree, a Tri-Color Beech, was selected under the guidance of City Forestry Supervisor Brian LaBelle and City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department Director Patrick McVerry. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21.
The tree is being planted with support of an America 250! Celebration Grant from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
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