Who Planted the Crabapple Trees at the White House?

The White House has always been an iconic symbol of the United States, and its gardens have been a vital part of its history. One of the most distinguishable features of the White House garden is the row of crabapple trees that is seen every spring when they are in full bloom. There is a lot of speculation about who was responsible for planting these trees. In this article, we will explore the different accounts and opinions regarding the origin of the White House crabapple trees.

The Legend of Andrew Jackson

The most widely-circulated story of the White House crabapple trees credits them to President Andrew Jackson. According to legend, in 1829, the Duke of Sutherland gifted Jackson with a barrel of soil from Scotland, which he then ordered to be spread around the White House lawn. Jackson then ordered a row of crabapple trees to be planted along the edge of the lawn facing Pennsylvania Avenue using the Scottish soil.

While this story has become accepted as fact by many, there is no concrete evidence to support it. Additionally, many historians and botanists have questioned the idea of using foreign soil to plant trees when the native soil was perfectly suitable for their growth.

The Historical Record

While there is no definitive proof of who planted the crabapple trees, the historical record provides some clues. In 1855, First Lady Jane Pierce wrote in a letter to her aunt that the original trees were planted by the wife of President Zachary Taylor, Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor.

Some sources suggest that it was a woman named Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore who was responsible for the introduction of crabapple trees to the White House garden. Scidmore was a well-known traveler, writer, and photographer, and she had a particular passion for the cherry blossom trees in Japan. After visiting Japan several times, she campaigned for the planting of cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. It is possible that she may have also encouraged the planting of crabapple trees as an alternative to cherry blossoms.

The Mystery Continues

Given the various accounts and lack of evidence, it is difficult to determine who planted the crabapple trees at the White House. What is clear, however, is that these trees have become an important part of the White House landscape and a beloved feature recognized worldwide.

Today, visitors to the White House can enjoy the beauty of the crabapple trees, especially during the spring when they come into full bloom. While the origin of these trees may remain a mystery, they continue to provide a colorful and cherished addition to the White House garden.