Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree
This evergreen commemorates the first Christmas tree in Madison and perhaps one of the first in the country. It was erected at 616 Williamson Street in the log cabin of Johann Jacob Reiner, the 2nd German to arrive in Madison, and his Swiss bride, Elsbeth Hitz, Dec. 1848. The Northern European custom of decorating a Christmas tree soon spread throughout the United States. In 1850, the Reiners built a brick home on the lot next to Johann's blacksmith and carriage shop. During the great German influx of the 1850's many found refuge here and attended church services at the Reiners.
Marker is at the intersection of Williamson Street and South Blair Street, on the right when traveling west on Williamson Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
