This beautiful white elm (Ulmus americana), which stood on the state capitol grounds at Austin, was planted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th birthday of George Washington, father of the American Republic.

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, under the grandparent of this tree, Washington first took command of the American Army, July 3, 1775. It was there, too, that the original Stars and Stripes were presented to his troops.

A marker placed beside the Washington Elm at Austin reads: “Washington first took command of the American Army under the grandparent of this elm at Cambridge, Mass., July 3, 1775. Raised and given by Maryland DAR, marked by Texas DAR. This tree is planted as part of the 200th Anniversary of the birth of George Washington, 1732-1932.”

The tree was removed in 2000 due to storm damage and advanced decay.

The Washington Elm was located on the state capitol grounds in Austin, about 150 feet southwest of the Old Land Office Museum on 11th Street.