The Brightside: A Liberty Tree Lives On At Salisbury University
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — The Maryland state regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution planted a Liberty Tree on Salisbury University’s campus in the newest edition of Brightside, sponsored by Choptank Electric Cooperative.
Liberty Trees are intertwined with U.S. history, dating back to the Sons of Liberty in pre-Revolutionary times. Leaders would meet under these trees to plan resistance, which is how they became known as Liberty Trees.
Maryland State Regent Elizabeth Deering of the Daughters of the American Revolution said each of the original 13 colonies had a Liberty Tree. The last original Liberty Tree was in Annapolis, Maryland, and stood for more than 400 years before it fell.
“When the original tree fell, a shoot was taken from the tree to be replanted right next to the original,” Deering said. “The rest of the seeds are being planted in 13 different areas in Maryland to honor each of the 13 colonies.”
One of those trees now stands on Salisbury University’s campus.
University spokesperson Jason Rhodes said the tree connects patriotism with academics.
“St. John’s College was an educational institution, and the original laboratory was just full of history, not just in its role as Liberty Tree, but George Washington resigned his commission with the Continental Army within footsteps of this tree,” Rhodes said.
The tree on Salisbury University’s campus sits outside the school’s Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture.
Rhodes said the location adds to the historical significance of the tree.
“It’s also located right underneath our Brown and Church Carillon. The largest bells for which were cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, which also made the original Liberty Bell and the bell for Big Ben in England,” Rhodes said. “So, this is a very historical corner, and the Liberty Tree just adds to that.”
Deering said the Daughters of the American Revolution’s 40 chapters work to preserve U.S. history.
“We all work together for a common mission for the three pillars: historic preservation, patriotism and also education,” Deering said. “So, we partner a lot within our communities to achieve those goals.”
