Liberty Tree Ceremony at Janes Island State Park

SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. – A ceremony was held today to welcome a new sapling, a descendant of the original Maryland Liberty Tree, to Janes Island State Park in Somerset County.

Ranger Christina Carlson expressed gratitude for the selection of location at the park.

“So as a true descendant of the original liberty tree it is quite an honor and privilege to have this tree planted here at Jane’s Island State Park.” Said Carlson. “We are honored to be able to be the stewards of this scion.”

This event was part of a bigger initiative, the Maryland Liberty Tree Project, to bring one of the saplings to each county in Maryland. Todays ceremony included a musket salute, a spoken history lesson, and an invocation. Multiple Maryland figures were in attendance, such as Crisfield mayor Darlene Taylor, Senator Mary Beth Carozza, and leaders of local Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution groups.

William Boston is the president for the Captain John Smoot chapter of the Sons of The American Revolution, and explained the historical significance of the trees chosen location.

“Well since Somerset was one of the original counties in Maryland founded in 1662, it’s awesome to be here in Somerset County today because the Fourth of July is just a couple days away, and this is where America started, on the original 13 colonies.” Said Boston.

Liberty trees were originally used as meeting places for patriots to discuss protests against British loyalists before and during the American Revolution. Maryland’s historic liberty tree was located in Annapolis, and was a tulip poplar.

For more information on the Maryland Liberty Tree Project and it’s locations, visit https://preservationmaryland.org/libertytree