Who Planted the Cherry Trees in Washington?

Each year, the blooming cherry blossom trees draw countless visitors from around the world to Washington, D.C. But who is responsible for planting these beautiful trees?

The Origins of the Cherry Blossom Trees

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 Japan and the United States. However, the journey to plant these trees in D.C. was not without its challenges.

When the trees first arrived in the United States, they were found to be infested with insects and pests that posed a threat to the country's agriculture. To prevent the spread of these pests, the Department of Agriculture ordered that all of the trees be burned. However, a group of individuals, including First Lady Helen Taft and the Japanese ambassador, convinced the government to allow the trees to be saved.

The Planting of the Trees

After the trees were deemed safe, the planting ceremony was held on March 27, 1912. The first two trees were planted by First Lady Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador. From there, the rest of the trees were planted along the Tidal Basin and around the National Mall.

Over the years, more cherry blossom trees were gifted to the city by Japan, bringing the current total to over 3,700 trees. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is now held every year to celebrate the blossoming of these trees and to honor the friendship between Japan and the United States.

The Legacy of the Trees

The cherry blossom trees have become an iconic symbol of springtime in D.C. and a reminder of the strong bond between the United States and Japan. They are also a testament to the perseverance and determination of those who fought to save them from destruction.

Today, visitors from around the world flock to D.C. to witness the beauty of the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is a testament to the enduring legacy of these trees and the friendship that they represent.

Conclusion

The cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. serve as a reminder of the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. While the story of their planting was not without controversy, the trees have become an iconic symbol of springtime in the nation's capital and a testament to the determination of those who fought to preserve them.