The Trees of New York, USA
There are many aspects that are amazing about the city, New York, USA. Hotel concierges offer up suggestions of tours and activities, but one way to spend the afternoon is to just walk around the neighborhoods and take in the history. One aspect many may overlook is that of the oldest residents, the trees. Many of the trees have been growing on the island long before the first European settlers landed on the shores of the East River. In the Brooklyn borough, one tree has become quite famous. This is a Magnolia tree that is located on the 600 block of Lafayette Street. In 1970, this tree became a recognized landmark of the city, the only living landmark. While the Magnolia tree of Brooklyn is most famous, it is not the oldest tree. In Prospect Park, an area that once was a full blown forest, stands an oak tree, one of the last few standing.
However, research on the many trees in the park lands of the Bronx may turn up an older living legend. For there are thousands of acres to discover throughout this borough of the city. Currently the oldest tree standing in the Bronx is a White Oak. This one dates back to the 1700′s. This giant tree stands in the middle of a golf course in Pelham Bay Park. Many have walked through Central Park and have the idea that the oldest trees are found within the park, and though they are older trees, most were transplanted. There is one tree that stands along the reservoir that is believed to have been growing there before the construction of the park. This London Plane is dated to the early 1800′s.
The two other species that are in the running for the oldest living trees on the island are located in Washington Heights and Washington Square Park. In the Heights, stands an elm, over one hundred and ten feet tall. Legend has it that George Washington stood beneath this tree on many occasions. And then there is the Hangman’s tree, and Elm tree that dates back to the time in the history of New York, when Washington Square Park was the city’s location for the gallows. This one is dated at three hundred and ten years old, and it is doubtful that any hangings really happened at the tree, many find it morbidly fascinating to wonder about. Walking through the city is a joy for anyone, especially on their first visit as there is so much to discover about this small island, the largest city in the United States.
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