For nearly two centuries, a towering southern magnolia tree has stood proudly on the White House South Lawn, witnessing history unfold. This iconic tree, which even survived a plane crash in 1994, will soon be removed due to safety concerns.
Planted in the mid-1800s, this magnolia has long been a symbol of resilience. Legend ties it to President Andrew Jackson, who reportedly brought seeds from his Tennessee home to honor his late wife, Rachel. Though historical records suggest the tree appeared after Jackson’s presidency, it has been a cherished part of the White House landscape, earning recognition as a “Witness Tree” by the National Park Service for its role in key historical moments.
On September 12, 1994, a small Cessna plane, piloted by Frank Eugene Corder, crashed into the White House grounds. While the incident was not an assassination attempt, the impact damaged the tree. Yet, remarkably, it endured for another 30 years.
In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump announced the tree’s removal, citing its deteriorating condition as a safety hazard. “This tree is in terrible shape and poses a danger,” he said, adding that its wood will be preserved for future commemorative uses.
White House groundskeepers have prepared for this moment by cultivating young magnolia offshoots from the original tree. These successors, already 10 feet tall, may one day take its place. However, it’s unclear whether one will be planted immediately, as Trump mentioned only that a “very beautiful tree” will replace it.
This removal is part of larger updates to the White House grounds, including renovations to the Rose Garden, which Trump has criticized for its soggy grass. While some changes aim for modernization, others, like preserving the magnolia’s legacy, honor tradition.
As this historic tree is taken down, its story—from presidential lore to surviving a plane crash—will live on, a testament to the enduring spirit of the White House itself.
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