Omar Bennett
The Constitution Elm in Corydon, Indiana, is a memorial to the first state constitutional convention held from June 10 to 29, 1816, when 43 delegates convened to draft Indiana's first state constitution. Due to the cramped conditions and summer heat, the delegates moved outdoors to continue their work under the branches of a nearby elm tree, which was later memorialized as the Constitution Elm. Dutch elm disease destroyed the tree in 1925, but its trunk has been preserved and is now protected by a sandstone memorial. The surrounding area, known as the Corydon Historic District, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and includes other notable historical structures such as the Old Capitol and the Old Treasury Building.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Corydon, Indiana, United States |
| Historical Significance | Site of Indiana's first constitutional convention in 1816 |
| Tree Height | 50 feet (15 m) |
| Trunk Width | 5 feet (1.5 m) |
| Branch Spread | Over 132 feet (40 m) |
| Preservation | Trunk preserved inside a sandstone memorial |
| Current Condition | Destroyed by Dutch elm disease in 1925; trunk remains |
| Ownership | Daughters of the American Revolution (acquired in 1925) |
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What You'll Learn
- Indiana delegates met under the elm in 1816 to draft the state constitution
- The elm was memorialised after the convention
- The tree died in 1925, but its trunk is preserved
- The tree was estimated to be 50 feet tall with a trunk 5 feet across
- The Daughters of the American Revolution acquired the property in 1925
Indiana delegates met under the elm in 1816 to draft the state constitution
Indiana has a rich history, and it all began in Corydon, Indiana's first state capital from 1816 to 1825. The town of Corydon is also known as Indiana's First State Capital and Historic Corydon. In June 1816, forty-three delegates convened in Corydon to discuss statehood for the territory and draft Indiana's first state constitution. The constitutional convention was held in a log cabin, but due to cramped conditions and the summer heat, the delegates often moved outdoors to continue their discussions under the branches of a nearby elm tree.
This elm tree, known as the Constitution Elm, was one of the largest trees of its kind in the world, estimated to be 50 feet tall with a trunk measuring 5 feet across and branches spreading more than 132 feet. The delegates' decision to work under this tree is a testament to its impressive size and the shade it provided. The tree held significance for the delegates and the state's history, so when it died of Dutch elm disease in 1925, its trunk was preserved.
Today, the trunk of the Constitution Elm is protected by a sandstone memorial in Corydon. The memorial preserves the historical significance of the tree and serves as a reminder of the first state constitutional convention. The town's historic district, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, includes several other notable sites, such as the Old Capitol (Indiana's first state capitol building), the Old Treasury Building, and the Posey House.
The Constitution Elm stands as a symbol of Indiana's journey towards statehood and the dedication of the delegates who drafted the state constitution. The preservation of the tree trunk and its memorial showcase the community's commitment to honouring their past. Visitors to Corydon can still view a portion of the trunk and learn about the state's early history. The tree is a testament to the power of nature to bear witness to and shape significant historical events.
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The elm was memorialised after the convention
The elm tree under whose branches Indiana's first state constitution was drafted came to be known as the Constitution Elm. The tree was memorialised after the convention, and its trunk was preserved inside a sandstone brick structure. The tree was destroyed by Dutch elm disease in 1925, but its trunk has been preserved and is now protected by a sandstone memorial. The memorial is located in Corydon, Indiana, which was the first state capital of Indiana from 1816 to 1825.
The Constitution Elm commemorates the first state constitutional convention, which was held from June 10 to 29, 1816. Forty-three delegates convened at Corydon to discuss statehood for Indiana and draft the state's first constitution. Due to the cramped conditions and summer heat, the delegates often gathered under the branches of the elm tree to escape the heat and continue their work.
The tree was estimated to be 50 feet (15 metres) tall, with a trunk that measured 5 feet (1.5 metres) across and branches that spread more than 132 feet (40 metres). After the convention, the tree became a symbol of Indiana's history and was memorialised. A plaque was placed at the site in 1934, telling the story of the elm tree that witnessed a significant moment in Indiana's history.
The Constitution Elm Memorial is now a part of the Corydon Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The district includes several other historical structures, such as the Old Capitol, the Old Treasury Building, and the Posey House. Visitors to the site can also purchase small pieces of the elm's branches as souvenirs at the town's interpretive centre and gift shop.
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The tree died in 1925, but its trunk is preserved
The Constitution Elm holds a significant historical value for Indiana. In 1816, Indiana delegates convened under the tree to draft the state's constitution. The tree, one of the largest of its kind, provided shade from the summer heat, allowing the delegates to continue their discussions outdoors. Unfortunately, the tree fell victim to Dutch elm disease and perished in 1925.
Recognizing the tree's importance, efforts were made to preserve its legacy. The trunk, which measured an impressive five feet across, was treated with coal tar to ensure its longevity. It was then encased in a sandstone memorial, protecting it from the elements and allowing future generations to appreciate this piece of history.
The memorial site, known as the Constitution Elm Memorial, stands as a testament to the past. Visitors can view the preserved trunk, surrounded by the stone monument, and reflect on the events that took place beneath its once-sprawling branches. The memorial is located in Corydon, Indiana, which holds the distinction of being the state's first capital.
The town of Corydon itself is steeped in history and is recognized as Indiana's First State Capital and Historic Corydon. The Corydon Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, encompasses significant sites from Indiana's early years as a state. Among these sites are the Old Capitol, Indiana's first state capitol building, and the Old Treasury Building, the state's inaugural state office building.
The Constitution Elm Memorial is an integral part of this historic district, commemorating the drafting of Indiana's constitution and serving as a reminder of the state's formative years. The preservation of the elm tree's trunk ensures that this chapter of Indiana's history remains tangible and accessible to future generations.
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The tree was estimated to be 50 feet tall with a trunk 5 feet across
The Constitution Elm in Corydon, Indiana, is a memorial to the first state constitutional convention held from June 10 to 29, 1816. Forty-three delegates convened under the tree to discuss statehood for Indiana and draft the state's constitution. The tree was estimated to be 50 feet tall with a trunk 5 feet across. Its branches spread more than 132 feet. Unfortunately, Dutch elm disease destroyed the tree in 1925. However, the trunk has been preserved and protected by a sandstone memorial.
The tree served as a significant gathering place for the delegates, who initially met in a log cabin. The summer heat and cramped conditions led them to move outdoors, seeking shade under the majestic elm. The tree's impressive size, with its tall height, thick trunk, and expansive branches, provided a spacious and comfortable setting for the convention.
The preservation of the Constitution Elm's trunk is a testament to its historical significance. After the tree's demise in 1925, its branches were removed, and the trunk was treated with coal tar to ensure its longevity. Enclosed within a sandstone monument, the trunk stands as a reminder of Indiana's constitutional beginnings.
The memorial is located in the Corydon Historic District, which boasts several notable historical structures. Among them are the Old Capitol, Indiana's first state capitol building, the Old Treasury Building, and the Posey House. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, recognizing its rich historical value.
The Constitution Elm is a symbol of Indiana's early statehood and the dedication of its founding delegates. While the tree once stood tall and proud, its preserved trunk now serves as a lasting tribute to the state's constitutional heritage. Visitors can still view the memorialized trunk, surrounded by the protective sandstone structure, and reflect on the significant events that unfolded beneath the once-grand elm tree.
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The Daughters of the American Revolution acquired the property in 1925
The Daughters of the American Revolution operated the site as a local history museum from 1925 to 1999. The property has since changed hands a few times, with the State of Indiana acquiring it in 2000, and it eventually being donated to the Historical Society of Harrison County in 2012.
The Daughters of the American Revolution's acquisition of the property adds to the site's rich history. The Constitution Elm holds significant historical value as it was under this tree that Indiana's first state constitution was drafted in 1816. Forty-three delegates convened at Corydon, then the capital of the Indiana Territory, to discuss statehood for the territory and craft Indiana's constitution. Due to the cramped conditions and summer heat, the delegates moved outdoors and gathered under the branches of the nearby elm, which was later memorialized as the Constitution Elm.
The elm tree was estimated to be 50 feet (15 metres) tall, with a trunk measuring 5 feet (1.5 metres) across and branches that spread more than 132 feet (40 metres). A plaque was placed at the site in 1934, detailing the tree's significance as a witness to Indiana's history. The preservation of the Constitution Elm and its inclusion in the Corydon Historic District highlight the importance of this site to the state's early history and the founding of Indiana as a state.
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Frequently asked questions
No individual or entity owned the Constitution Elm. The tree was a part of the landscape of Corydon, Indiana, and served as a gathering place for delegates drafting Indiana's state constitution in 1816.
The delegates convened in a log cabin to discuss statehood for Indiana, but the cramped conditions and summer heat drove them to seek shade under the elm tree.
The Constitution Elm is significant because it was under this tree that Indiana's state constitution was drafted, marking a pivotal moment in the state's history.
The Constitution Elm died in 1925 due to Dutch elm disease. However, its trunk has been preserved and is now encased in a sandstone memorial, commemorating the historic events that took place beneath its branches.
Yes, the preserved trunk of the Constitution Elm is still standing and can be visited in Corydon, Indiana. The site is marked by a sandstone memorial and is recognised as a significant historical landmark in the state.
