March 27: Cherry Trees in Washington, D.C. (1912)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people who work in public parks as they create beautiful spaces for others to enjoy.
History Note
After the Spanish-American War, the United States took control of the Philippines. William Howard Taft was appointed Governor General. While they were stationed there, his wife, Helen “Nellie” Taft, enjoyed a park in Manilla called Lunete. Mrs. Taft also visited Japan, where she saw the beauty of that country’s cherry trees.
After William Taft became president in 1909, Nellie Taft supported the creation of a park in Washington, D.C. Some people suggested planting cherry trees, which appealed to Mrs. Taft.
The government of Japan wanted to build a stronger relationship with the United States, and they offered to send 2,000 cherry trees. Unfortunately, the first batch of saplings that arrived in 1910 were infested with insects and diseases. A second shipment arrived in 1912.
On March 27 of that year, First Lady Nellie Taft and Viscountess Chinda Iwa, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the northern edge of the Tidal Basin.
In 1952 Japan asked for American help to restore a cherry grove near Tokyo that had suffered during World War II. This grove had been the source for the original trees planted around the Tidal Basin. The National Park Service sent budwood from the Washington cherry trees to Tokyo.
Cherry trees have continued to be tokens of peace and goodwill between the people of Japan and the United States. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this form of natural beauty each year.
This stone lantern was carved in Japan in 1651. The Japanese government presented it to the city of Washington, D.C., in 1954. It stands among the cherry trees there. Photo by f11photo / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Watch this video about First Lady Nellie Taft’s connection to the iconic Washington, D.C., cherry blossoms.
Learn more at Homeschool History.
