The Great Elm

"NOT the same as the Liberty tree. This was a hanging tree for Quakers and other “sinners.” It is NOT easy to find. It’s at the intersection of two pathways leading up to the monument for armed forces at the top of the hill. It is NOT at the top of the hill. They did plant a new fledgling elm next to it, but the plaque itself is not raised at all, so you have to look in the grass to find it. “Many persons were tried and condemned to death during the seventeenth century." This reflected a broader implementation of the death penalty in Boston, which also included temporary gallows on the Common as well as firing squads.[11] The Common, which at the time was often neglected due to its rural setting, began to transform once houses were built along its perimeter. Some of the most elite Bostonians, like John Hancock's uncle Thomas, desired to be near the Great Elm in the Boston Common, and built their large residences as close as possible. This had a very positive impact on both the Boston Common and the prestige of the Great Elm. Even though the grounds were still used for military training, the Great Elm was no longer used for public executions. According to Ayer, as the number of people living nearby increased, the city began to improve the Common's condition and it consequently became an even more "popular recreation ground of the townspeople."[12] During all of these transitions, the Great Elm stood as a silent witness to the city's progress. Some of the elm's wood was used and preserved in books considered "rare" today. Its wood appears on the back cover of "Stark's Antique Views of Ye Towne of Boston" from 1882, for instance. Along with it is a message from the mayor of the time. A chair crafted from its wood sits in the rare book room of the Boston Public Library for all to admire the tree's importance in Boston history.”"

"The Great Elm is where they used to hang pirates, murderers and witches from."

"Cool place, but the plaque is slightly wrong the tree the Sons of Liberty used was located at what is now Essex St. & Washington St. The brick above the Dunkin has a bas relief of the tree that faces Liberty Tree Plaza, where it stood. All very great to go visit!! There's a freedom trail tour you can take, but it skips Liberty Tree. You can add it in on your own."

"There was an Elm here at one time, but it was destroyed during a storm in 1876 - likely related to "age and overuse"."

"Site of the Great Elm is worth a stop. 10/10 for trees"