When were Cherry Trees Planted in Washington DC

Washington DC, the capital of the United States of America, is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms which attract millions of tourists every year. The cherry blossom trees are found in many parts of the city, but the most popular place to see them is the Tidal Basin.

The history of cherry trees in Washington DC can be traced back to the early 20th century. In 1911, the Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, gifted 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the city of Washington DC as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States. However, when the trees arrived in Washington DC, they were discovered to be infested with insects and disease.

The Department of Agriculture had to intervene and burn all the trees to prevent the spread of the infestation. The situation caused a diplomatic crisis between the United States and Japan, and it took two years to resolve the issue.

The Arrival of Cherry Blossom Trees

In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo once again donated 3,020 cherry blossom trees to the city of Washington DC. This time, the trees were carefully inspected before being shipped. The trees arrived in Washington DC on March 26, 1912, and First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin.

In the following years, more cherry trees were planted around the Tidal Basin and other parts of the city, and by the 1930s, Washington DC had become famous for its cherry blossoms. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, a yearly event that celebrates the arrival of spring and the beauty of the cherry blossoms, was established in 1934.

Promoting Tourism and Diplomacy

The cherry blossom trees not only became a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States but also helped promote tourism in Washington DC. Millions of tourists visit the city during the National Cherry Blossom Festival every year, bringing millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses.

The cherry blossoms also played an important role in diplomacy between the two countries. During World War II, when the United States declared war on Japan, many Americans feared that the cherry blossom trees would be destroyed as a sign of retaliation. However, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a letter to the National Park Service declaring that "the cherry trees are a gift of friendship to the people of the United States from the people of Japan. They were given not only as a token of international friendship but also in the belief that they would strengthen the ties of good will between the two nations." The trees were protected, and they continued to bloom every spring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cherry blossom trees have become an iconic symbol of Washington DC and a symbol of friendship between the United States and Japan. The history of the cherry trees in Washington DC is a testament to the importance of diplomacy and cultural exchange between nations. Today, the cherry blossoms continue to attract millions of visitors to the city, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival remains one of the most popular events in Washington DC.