About The Oldest Planted Tree In America
Believed to be the oldest cultivated fruit tree in North America
A planted tree refers to any tree that has been physically placed in the ground by human action. The Endicott Pear Tree in Danvers, Massachusetts, is a remarkable piece of living history, believed to be the oldest cultivated fruit tree in North America. It is also the oldest planted tree in the United States.
The National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix recognizes it as the very oldest pear tree. The Massachusetts Legacy Tree Program defines it as the oldest living cultivated fruit tree in North America. Grist acknowledges it as the oldest cultivated fruit bearing tree in all of North America. New England Historical Society describes it the oldest living cultivated fruit tree in North America.
Planted around 1632 by John Endecott, who was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, this tree stands as a testament to early colonial horticulture. Endecott was known for his interest in agriculture, and this pear tree is one of the few remaining from his extensive orchard.
Over the centuries, the Endicott Pear Tree has endured numerous natural and human-induced challenges including hurricanes (notably in 1804, 1815, 1843, and 1934), earthquakes, vandalism in 1964, and urban development. Despite these adversities, it continues to thrive and bear fruit, symbolizing resilience and longevity.
The tree is located in a somewhat unexpected setting today - behind a business park, near the Massachusetts General Hospital's outpatient care facility. It's enclosed by a wrought iron fence for protection, and although not prominently signposted, it holds a special place in local history and consciousness.
The tree has been celebrated in various forms, including literature, with figures like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and former President John Adams acknowledging its significance. It's been the subject of poetry, historic markers, and has even been cloned for preservation purposes, with genetic material housed at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Oregon.
Efforts to preserve the tree have included community action and involvement from local historical societies and medical centers adjacent to its location. These efforts have included installing historic markers, educational displays, and regular maintenance by arborists to ensure its continued health.
The pears from the Endicott tree are described as hard, crisp, and a bit tart, not particularly tasty for eating raw but historically used in cooking, like in tarts and pies. The fruit has been a point of local pride, with some stories of the pears being used in unique ways like making pear margaritas. However, recent reports suggest that the pears are often taken before they can be collected for such uses.
The Endicott Pear Tree is not just an arboreal survivor but a living link to America's colonial past, offering insight into the early days of European settlement and agricultural practices in New England. It's a hidden gem that attracts those interested in history, horticulture, and natural wonders.