Community members, local leaders, and history enthusiasts gathered last Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Casselman River State Park to take part in a Liberty Tree planting ceremony. This event is rooted in both local heritage and the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
The Liberty Tree, a powerful symbol of unity and resistance during the American Revolution, traces its origins to colonial Boston, where the Sons of Liberty met beneath its branches to organize against British rule. Today, descendants of that original tree continue to be planted across the country as living reminders of freedom, civic engagement, and shared history.
During the ceremony, speakers reflected on the enduring legacy of the Liberty Tree and its connection to Maryland’s own revolutionary past. Figures such as Samuel Chase, William Paca, and frontier leader Thomas Cresap were noted as local participants in the broader movement for independence, often gathering in similar spirit under Liberty Trees in the 1760s.
The tree planted at Casselman River State Park is a direct descendant of Maryland’s historic Liberty Tree in Annapolis. Although the original tree was lost after damage from Hurricane Floyd, its lineage has been preserved through grafting and seed collection, allowing new generations of Liberty Trees to take root across the nation.
“This tree represents more than history, it represents continuity,” one speaker shared. “The Liberty Tree still lives, and each planting carries that legacy forward.”
The Casselman planting marks the fourth Liberty Tree established in Garrett County, joining previous plantings in communities such as Kitzmiller and at Garrett College. The location, near the historic Casselman River Bridge and along the National Road corridor, was selected for its deep ties to early American travel, settlement, and story.
Organizers noted that the planting aligns with a broader series of commemorative efforts leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, connecting local landscapes to national history in meaningful, visible ways.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by Casselman River State Park, reflect on the significance of the Liberty Tree, and experience a living piece of American history when the park reopens after bridge rehabilitation. The estimation project completion date is April 21, 2027.
