White Oak
Quercus Alba
This “Bicentennial Oak” survived initial forest clearing to make way for the state capital development in 1812. In 1888 the tree became the hallmark of the most beautiful woodland boulevard in America, when William G. Deshler paid to have trees planted along Broad Street.
By 1922, traffic accidents, increased polution, and Dutch elm disease killed off most of the trees. The Bicentennial Oak has grown through two centuries of changes, from settlers moving across Ohio, to the age of automobiles and electric streetlights, to modern digital times. Analysts estimate the tree ismore than 200 years old. A probable lightning strike destroyed the central leader, or top of the tree, preventing further upward growth.
Marker is on East Broad Street (U.S. 40) just east of Franklin Park West Street, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
