Which President's Wife Had the Cherry Trees Planted in D.C.?

Cherry blossom trees are one of the most iconic symbols of Washington D.C. Every spring, people from all over the world flock to the nation's capital to see the magnificent pink and white blooms. But do you know the story about how these cherry trees came to be planted in D.C. in the first place?

The Idea of Planting Cherry Trees in D.C.

The idea of planting cherry trees in D.C. can be traced back to the early 1900s. David Fairchild, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official, had brought cherry blossom trees from Japan and planted them in a park in Potomac, Maryland. The trees were a hit, and Fairchild proposed the idea of planting more cherry trees in D.C. to beautify the city.

The Gift from Japan

In 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the city of Washington D.C. as a symbol of friendship between the United States and Japan. First Lady Helen Taft and the wife of the Japanese ambassador planted the first two trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin. Today, those two trees still stand as a symbol of the relationship between the two countries.

The Blossoms During World War II

During World War II, the cherry blossom trees became a symbol of hope and peace. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival was put on hold during the war, but the blossoms continued to bloom. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt suggested that the festival be revived after the war as a celebration of the friendship between the United States and Japan.

The Cherry Blossom Festival Today

Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a six-week long event that draws over a million visitors to D.C. each year. In addition to the spectacular blooms, the festival features cultural performances, parades, and other events. It's a true celebration of spring and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.

In Conclusion

So, which president's wife had the cherry trees planted in D.C.? While it was Mayor Ozaki of Tokyo who gifted the trees, it was First Lady Helen Taft who worked hard to ensure the planting and care of the trees. She saw the potential beauty and symbolism of the cherry trees as a gift of friendship, and her efforts have created a lasting legacy that continues to delight and inspire visitors to the nation's capital year after year.